Student inspires others to read

Gideon Duren, an incoming freshman at Jefferson City High School, is surrounded by numerous bookshelves in his bedroom. The shelves are usually a backdrop his video book reviews and recommendations he posts online. Duren is seen holding the book he's working his way through now,  "The Last Shadow Warrior" by Sam Subity. (Jason Strickland/News Tribune)
Gideon Duren, an incoming freshman at Jefferson City High School, is surrounded by numerous bookshelves in his bedroom. The shelves are usually a backdrop his video book reviews and recommendations he posts online. Duren is seen holding the book he's working his way through now, "The Last Shadow Warrior" by Sam Subity. (Jason Strickland/News Tribune)

When he was younger, Gideon Duren hated reading.

He found it boring and had a hard time concentrating on the story - until his third-grade teacher, Brittney Rose, opened up a whole new world for him.

"Gideon was outgoing and outspoken, and just completely full of life, but he hated to read," Rose said. "It was like pulling teeth for the kid."

So Rose got to know Gideon better and recommended books she thought he would like, such as "The Unwanteds," a dystopian fantasy novel. He's been hooked ever since.

"I didn't have the attention span to do it, but she really brought it out of me, and now I love reading - so it's all thanks to her," Gideon said.

Now a Jefferson City High School freshman, Gideon can often be found lost in a book. He said he enjoys reading because it's like visiting different worlds, and he's always wondering what happens next.

"I like the way some books suck me into the story," he said. "When I get really invested in it and I get excited about the story, it really just feels like it matters and makes me want to read more."

Gideon has read hundreds of books - especially fantasy and science fiction - and "The Unwanteds" is still one of his top three favorites, proudly displayed on his bookshelf that spans more than an entire wall of his bedroom, where he films videos of himself talking about his favorite books for his YouTube channel, "Gidster Reviews."

Gideon started Gidster Reviews about two years ago because he wanted to share his favorite books and inspire people to read. His goal, he said, is to get more people to love reading as much as he does.

"I wanted to teach people about reading and share my love of it," he said. "I also wanted to help people find books they might like because it's really hard to find books that you're interested in if you have no idea what you're interested in."

When Gideon first started his YouTube channel, he didn't think it would take off. Now, he has 180 subscribers, and one of his videos is even used in college curriculum.

Gidster Reviews has not only helped others find books they enjoy - it also helps Gideon discover new books and increase his passion for reading. His channel has helped him connect with others who love books as much as he does to talk about books and share recommendations.

Sometimes, the authors of some of Gideon's favorite books even reach out to him after seeing his videos.

"It's always fun when they reach out because it's nice to know that they watched the video and listened to what I said," Gideon said. "It's always nice to be appreciated, and it's fun because I like their books. It's always an awesome experience."

When Gideon's older, he wants a job where he can continue to inspire others to read, such as teaching English classes, writing stories or running his own bookstore or custom book subscription box.

When he's not reading or reviewing books, Gideon can often be found doing one of his many hobbies: playing football, wrestling, acting in plays, playing video games, listening to audiobooks, writing, participating in Boy Scouts or Student Council, volunteering at the library, or walking and playing with his dogs, Ewok and Sally.

You can find Gidster Reviews on Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.