Final answer:
Reading is an interactive experience that requires active participation from both the writer and the reader. It encompasses experiencing, interpreting, and evaluating a text to gain pleasure and enlightenment, as well as a deeper understanding of life.
Step-by-step explanation:
The essence of reading is deeply rooted in the symbiotic relationship between writer and reader. As highlighted, this union is crucial for a comprehensive understanding of literary texts. Reading entails experience, interpretation, and evaluation; these processes enhance our engagement with literature, providing pleasure and enlightenment. Active reading techniques, such as annotating and reflecting, enable readers to deeply understand and connect with the material. Through the act of reading, we not only entertain ourselves but also gain insights into life and ourselves, confirming the vitality of reading in shaping human experience.