I have an idea about why I read both The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane and The Portrait of Mrs. Charbuque aloud. Some of it might have to do with their similar writing styles; both authors are modern and writing in the style of "ago," and I found a certain lyricism in them that might deserve further study. But I can also relate this to the type of literary criticism I'm currently studying--Reader-Oriented Criticism.
Assigned as homework in two different classes and two different semesters, both books were required, and I read them as an efferent reader, looking only for what might help me in class. As a student, mandatory reading assignments are usually given a quick skimming instead of an in-depth read (more on the skimming theory later!). But my subconscious said, "NO! Enjoy these books! Don't read because you have to, read because you want to!" And suddenly, I found myself reading aesthetically. Instead of rushing through each page, I experienced the words, sounds and phrases.
I became an active participant in the literacy experience.
