Jacqueline Woodson describes reading as being the thing that taught her everything about writing and that has allowed her to create worlds that legitimizes the experiences of others. She explains this through her anecdote of the giant who she read about in one of Oscar Wilde’s works. Woodson reflects on her first reading: the giant is selfish. The more she read it however, the more she thought that maybe the giant is asking for empathy. These slower, more careful readings, allowed her to gain a diffraction perspective on what Wilde may have been trying to convey through his story. With this understanding, Woodson is able to write in a way that benefits from deeper readings by the reader. She is also able to use her understanding of reading in order to craft worlds that can establish connections with her readers. 

While I had always understood the power of writing, the influence of reading behind writing was not as clear. Woodson’s description however, helps highlight the relevance of reading slowly when attempting to be a good writer. By taking the time to read the work of a writer and giving it the respect it deserves, the reader can reap more benefits from the piece. 

I revisited the podcast “The Influence You Have.” In the podcast, it discusses the influence we have on others and how our fears to ask are actually mirrored by their fears to reject. This is really interesting as it shows a different side of human to human interactions. When we interact with others, we are focused on ourselves: our tone of voice, our request, what they will say to us. All of it is very me-centered, but the podcast reveals the interconnections of societal interactions. It has since made me consider the other person more during social interactions.