Reading is admired and encouraged in our society, and watching TV is looked down upon. Many a night my wife retreats to the bedroom to read a novel while I remain in the living room watching something on TV. In truth I used to read a lot more than I do now, but that doesn't bother me at all. And while reading is seen as such a positive activity, watching TV is seen as a total waste of time. I find that I don't really see that much difference between the two activities. Both take us away from our immediate reality and transport us to another time, place or reality. And as far as escapism, I find that I can get engrossed in a movie on my TV screen and really keep out any thoughts about whatever crisis I may be dealing with in my real life, and while reading cannot do that as effectively. So despite what most folks think, I don't feel guilty at all for my evening diversions and for the fact that I have several unread books sitting on my bedside table.