While some folks just have a seemingly innate love of reading and either pick up a book as often as possible or even carry one with them for any chance to open it up, others want to read more but just don’t seem to be able to get into the habit.
Reading for enjoyment sometimes comes in waves, especially during school years when you have to read so much for your classes. Sometimes the addition of new responsibilities edges out the time you once spent reading.
Whatever the case, if you want to read more and aren’t doing so, this article: https://psyche.co/guides/how-to-make-a-daily-habit-of-reading-more-books can help you work it back into your schedule. It talks about motivation, practice, perseverance, enjoyment, and fulfillment. Some favorite quotes from the article follow.
“…although TV and video games of course offer escapism, there’s nothing quite like devouring the pages of a beautiful novel, sitting quietly in one place while letting words transport you to another. Screens show you what’s happening; novels, by contrast, construct those fictions within your mind, allowing you to become anyone, and go anywhere.”
How many times have you been reading a captivating story only to look up and realize you’ve lost track of time and where you are? I know I have done so. I’ve read books in the middle of summer that are set in snowy, winter landscapes and felt the chill or books involving intense action and suspense and realized I’ve been holding my breath. Reading truly does transport a person.
“People who read literary fiction in particular tend to be better at reading others’ emotions and have greater moral sensitivity, possibly due to their simulation of the lives of complex characters; and reading nonfiction will increase your knowledge and broaden your mind.”
Who of us hasn’t teared up while reading about someone’s struggles or heartbreak. There are certain books I have trouble reading aloud because I get too choked up. On another note, I find the quote to inspire hope - that if we can encourage our youth to read good literary fiction, we can help them become good at reading emotions and being more morally sensitive. I feel that this world could use more sensitive, compassionate, empathetic people.
If you need to purchase some books to get your reading habit, or that of your kids, off to a great start - stop by the bookstore - you might find something just right, or we can order a book for you.