Viewpoint: On Books and (actually) Reading Them
Books have so much to offer me and I’ll never truly be able to express my gratitude for them.
As a kid, I had an intense love affair with books. It all started at 4 years old, with Disney comic books that my father would patiently read to me early in the morning, on weekends, as I curled up in bed. Add to it the richly illustrated encyclopedias, subject guides, and reference books that my grandfather would use to instill more knowledge into me about the world (no Internet back then, you know). Both actions were bonding moments that I cherish to this day and encouraging means to teach me how to read. Which I did, before attending elementary school. From then on, I was hooked. Dazzled. Mystified.
Books were a refuge. They transported me to worlds I could never dream of. Fictional characters became my friends, adventures became “real” in my head, and I fell in love with places I had never been to. Some of them I never would, because they never existed. It didn’t matter to me at all.
The possibilities that opened up every time I turned a page of a new book were endless. Books were like windows into the glorious multiverse of Marvel comics, DC comics, Franco-Belgian comics, old and modern fiction classics, mystery, science fiction, fantasy, and horror. You name it.
I would read everything in sight, absorbing new stories and ideas. I devoured memoirs, biographies, philosophy, and history. Heck, I would spend hours flipping through the Yellow Pages, mesmerized by all the business directories, the amazing word art, and the beautiful ad illustrations. I felt like I was discovering the world around me through books and building my own. I was safe and secure in a world made of words, not worrying so much about the world's worries. And I was spellbound, especially by tales of bravery and courage against all odds.
As I grew older, my love for books only grew stronger, and I began to explore other genres and topics. In middle school, I found my love for poetry, for instance. As a teenager, I also went through an obsessive phase of reading authors from my own country. I discovered the beauty of literature and the power of the written word. In book format, always.
My love for books has never diminished. To this day, I still find comfort in flipping through pages and discovering new stories and worlds. Books have kept me company, taught me lessons, and allowed me to discover more, about myself and others. They have been a way to explore and understand the world in a way that has always been both meaningful and entertaining. I could never imagine a happy life without books. They are one of my greatest sources of joy, inspiration, and knowledge. Books are essential to me and I am grateful for their existence, their authors, and their publishers. For me, this is a fact. It will never change. Me and books are bound to each other.
However, I have been reading very few of them lately. Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t been reading less. If anything, I have probably been reading more than ever. Plenty of online magazine and newspaper articles, manuals, handbooks, scientific papers, reports, memos, agreements, and emails. Again, you name it. Just not so many books, though. My TBR pile is over 50 titles long.
That needs to change. For my sake. Without pushing, forcing or self-imposing it, but by genuinely and naturally embracing it.
Thus, rather than giving myself a meaningless challenge, like pledging to read a certain amount of books this year, I have decided to dig a little deeper into why I love books and (actually) reading them. Putting it into words has always helped in the past, so here it goes. This might take a while, though.
Books expand my knowledge and imagination
Books are an endless source of knowledge and imagination, and they can provide me with a temporary and refreshing escape from reality. Reading books helps me to acquire new insights, learn new things, and broaden my horizons. How?
First of all, books are filled with information that can help expand my knowledge. Books provide details about history, science, geography, and other topics, which can help me become more knowledgeable about the world around me. Books can also help me better understand different cultures, beliefs, and people from different backgrounds.
Second, reading books encourages me to use my imagination. Books can help me imagine what life is like in different places or different times. I can explore different settings, different characters, and different situations, which can help me to explore my own creative ideas. Reading books can be a great way to spark new ideas and discover new ways of looking at situations.
Third, books can be a great source of mental stimulation and inspire me to think more deeply. As I read, I start to consider different ideas and delve deeper into particular topics, analyze different theories and arguments, and stimulate my mind to examine things in a new way. Books can help to keep my mind sharp, by providing an engaging and stimulating environment, as well as a much-needed mental break from the real world.
Books provide me with relaxation and stress relief
In our busy lives, it can be difficult to find the time to relax and cope with the stress that comes with it. I find that reading books can be a great way to help both relaxation and stress relief. Research has proven that taking at least a few minutes each day to read a book can lead to improved mental and physical health.
Reading a book can help reduce levels of stress and anxiety while promoting relaxation. Because reading is a calming activity, it can help me to calm down and take a break from daily life.
In addition, reading books can help improve my sleep and reduce fatigue. Reading can help me to transition from my busy day into a more relaxed state of mind, helping me fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Books also provide knowledge, information, and entertainment that can help to distract me from worrying thoughts that compromise my rest and my dreams. This can definitely result in improved physical and mental well-being as well, as well as lead to improved relationships with others.
Overall, reading books can provide many benefits to my health and I am more than ready to reap them.
Books improve my concentration, focus, and memory
Reading books can also help improve my concentration, focus, and memory, so it’s important to make reading a regular part of my daily routine again.
When we read, we enter into a state of focused attention, which allows us to process information more effectively. Further, the act of reading can coach my brain to stay focused for longer periods and to become better at filtering out distractions. This improved focus leads to boosting my ability to remember what I read and recall it at a later date. As I read, the information that is absorbed is stored away in my long-term memory. Besides that, the act of regularly reading can help me to process and better organize the information that I take in, allowing me to retain it more effectively.
In today’s modern world, we are often forced to multitask and be constantly on the go, which can lead to anxiety. When I read more books, it gives my brain a break, allowing me to slow down and focus on one task at a time. Regularly reading books can help me to cultivate these important skills.
Books boost my inspiration and motivation
To me, reading books is a great way to gain inspiration and motivation. Books can provide me with the wisdom and insight that I need to make necessary adjustments in my life and to help overcome difficult challenges, for example. By reading, I can also learn from the experiences and perspectives of other people, and gain new, fresh perspectives.
Books can help me to think differently and to explore my thoughts and feelings. Through reading, I can gain insight into myself, and discover solutions to problems that I may have. Reading can open my eyes to new possibilities, help me to become more confident and courageous, and to (re)take control of my life.
In other words, reading can provide me with the support and encouragement I need to take action. It can help me to build resilience and become more productive. Reading can also help spark new ideas and give me the motivation to pursue my goals. Maybe even some of my dreams.
By allowing myself to explore new ideas and perspectives, I can find comfort in the knowledge that my problems are shared by others. This can provide a great sense of solace, helping me to remain focused and positive on a challenging day. Or two.
So, I guess the next time I feel unmotivated, I really should take some time to pick up a good book – it could certainly give me that extra push I need to get going.
Books help me connect with people and cultures
This is something I realized very early on. Reading books can be one of the best and most powerful ways to connect with people and cultures from around the world. Whether it’s in the form of a classic novel, a non-fiction work, or a short story, there is something incredibly special about opening a book and experiencing the lives and stories of people from different countries, cultures, and backgrounds.
In a world that is increasingly connected, I find it increasingly important to be aware of and understand the various cultures and societies that exist around the world. Books can provide me with a unique window into the lives of others, giving me a glimpse into the beliefs and values of people that I may or may. not ever have the chance to meet in person. Either way, reading books can help me to better understand the differences and commonalities that exist between cultures, and develop a greater appreciation for the diversity of the world. After all, there's always room for improvement.
Reading books can help me to gain insight into a variety of issues, from historical and political to economic, social, and ethical. It can also help me to have a more informed opinion about current events and social topics. By exploring different perspectives, I can keep building my worldview, allowing me to make better decisions.
Furthermore, reading books also provides me with an opportunity to explore my own identity. Even at my age, yes. By immersing myself in the stories of others, I can begin to examine my own beliefs and values, giving me a better understanding of who I am and where I come from.
Books increase my vocabulary and understanding of language
It has always been very obvious to me that reading books is one of the easiest and most effective ways to learn a new language or to increase understanding and vocabulary of a language I already know. Whether as a language student, a traveler, or a native speaker, the benefits of reading books to better deal with a language have been abundant and cannot be overstated.
Many books are written using a wide variety of language, which can provide invaluable insight into how words are used in different contexts. As I read, I will eventually encounter words that I may not know, and use the opportunity to learn the meaning and usage of each word. As my vocabulary grows, so too will my understanding of the language and particularly its nuances.
Reading books also helps to familiarize myself with the grammar and syntax of a language. As I read, I will naturally start to recognize and learn the various rules and patterns that make up the language’s grammar. This helps me become more aware of how to correctly structure my sentences, improving my overall writing and speaking skills.
In addition, as I read, I will naturally become more familiar with the sounds and phonetics of the language, allowing me to practice my pronunciation. Furthermore, books can help me gain insight into a language’s cultural context.
Books improve my writing skills
Reading books is not only an enjoyable pastime but can also help to make one’s writing skills better. It helps with mine, that's for sure. Drawing from better knowledge of grammar and vocabulary, mixed with an increase in creativity, will improve the overall plot and structure of writing. Reading books can open a person’s eyes to different forms of writing and how to craft an entertaining and engaging story. Fictional or not.
By reading different works, one is exposed to different writing styles and forms which can help to identify errors and develop new writing techniques. It just makes it easier to convey ideas in writing more effectively. It also helps to form a better understanding of how to craft a story, incorporating plot and character development, as well as structure and pacing. This can also help to improve one’s knowledge of literary genres and writing conventions.
Books build empathy and understanding
Let me be very clear. To me, developing and nourishing empathy is an essential part of being a good person. No matter how vague or subjective that may sound. And in a world filled with so much technology and constant online interaction, I believe there is still something to be said for the importance of reading books. One of the most important benefits of reading is that it can help people build empathy for others and better understand them.
By immersing myself in a story, I devote energy to imagining what it must be like to experience the things that my favorite characters experience. This helps me cultivate a much better understanding when I think of real-life people who are going through similar things. It doesn’t have to be a story about someone’s struggles; even a story about a journey of self-growth and discovery can help me to appreciate and respect the journeys that other people have made in their own lives.
When I read books, I become aware of the different worldviews, cultures, and values that exist outside of my own. I might come across words, phrases, and ideas that are new to me, and this can help me become more tolerant and open-minded. It also helps me to recognize my own biases and prejudices and develop a more accepting attitude towards those who think differently than me. Books can be an avenue for breaking down stereotypes and prejudices. By reading about diverse characters and their unique experiences, I can gain insights into the lives of people from different backgrounds, subsequently helping to dispel any preconceived notions I may have had. This can help me to cultivate greater respect for others and foster a more tolerant and inclusive approach.
Overall, books can help me to look at the world in a different light and to recognize the many different experiences and perspectives that are out there. When I read books, I allow myself to build bridges, grow in my understanding, and develop a truer sense of compassion for others. That can certainly be highly beneficial to my mental health.
--
So, let's put this to bed.
Books provide me with a sense of comfort and familiarity, no matter what I’m reading. They’ve been my friends when I’ve felt alone, my teachers when I didn’t understand something, and my confidantes when I needed to open up. I’ve read books that changed my life, challenged my beliefs, and helped me grow. I’ve been able to experience new cultures, gain knowledge, and learn new skills. I’ve read stories that have made me laugh out loud, shed tears, and allowed me to get lost in another world. Yes, I can still get lost in a book and put aside, even if temporarily, all the other issues I’m dealing with. They allow me to find solace in tough situations.
Books have so much to offer me and I’ll never truly be able to express my gratitude for them. They’ve shaped me into the person I am today and for that, I’m forever thankful. Books will always have a special place in my heart and I’ll never tire of reading them. Books have become a part of my life, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
I also know that it's important to share the books I read with others, which is why I'll always encourage others to pick up a book and give it a try. Reading can change a person's life in so many wonderful ways, and I'm so happy that books have been a part of my life. I hope that I can help to open up others to the world of reading and bring them the same joy I've experienced.
It's been a great journey, and I'm looking forward to all the books I'll read in the future. I'm committing to keep filling my heart and mind with knowledge, intellect, and emotion through books. I will never stop exploring the world through the written word. That's why I will always be a reader. I know there will always be something new to learn and discover. I'm embracing the journey, and I'm ready to see where it takes me.
🔴 Viewpoint is a random series of spontaneous considerations about subjects that linger in my mind just long enough for me to write them down. They express my own often inconsistent thoughts, ideas, assumptions, and speculations. Nothing else. Quote me at your peril.
