A NARRATIVE APPROACH: STORIES WITHIN SUCCESSFUL READERS

Abstract

Abstract: Reading is an effective medium to attain knowledge and might lead to empowering self-enrichment. Reading also widens one's horizon on a particular issue. However, even with the advantages of reading, Malaysian citizens' average books read per year is still not on the satisfactory level. Several factors contribute to an individual becoming a successful reader. Stories of successful readers are thoroughly discussed, aimed at gaining insight from their experience. This study also intends to help teachers motivate their students to read and build their reading habits.  This paper begins by discussing the benefits of reading habits, reading habits among Malaysian, procedures used to extract the information from the respondents, and the in-depth story of the successful readers in IIUM. Using the narrative inquiry as to the means of data collection, we described the experiences of ESL learners and native speakers of English, in the hope of gaining insight. From this research, it is found that some of the factors that contribute to being successful readers are the parents’ involvement, siblings’ motivation, and home environment.