Here Are 16 Reasons Why Everyone Should Read More

When I heard that August 9th was National Book Lovers Day, I decided I ought to celebrate this literary-loving date with an article about the importance of reading books.

Calling all bookworms; today is our day!

I have always enjoyed reading. The stories in books give you the ability to lose yourself in a story so powerful that at the end of each book, you are already asking yourself what book to read next.

It doesn’t matter how you read, it could be a paper book, Kindle, or e-reader, because reading is not only fun, it’s also good for you.

Here are 16 reasons why reading is good for you.

1.  Books make you a time traveler.

Books can transport us through time and space—into the past, the present, the future, and to faraway worlds that are galaxies away. The world of fiction allows us to travel to another world, where everything is different. Books expand your horizons and let you see other countries, people, and so many things you have never previously imagined.

2. Books are always better than movies.

Movie scripts often simplify the subtle complexities of the book, meaning many details are missing. Many movies are book adaptations. If you read a book and then watch its movie, though, you will agree that the book is 100 times better than the movie. There is always that unique part, like a character’s thoughts, that a movie can never capture.

3. Books improve your focus and concentration.

Reading a book takes periods of focus and concentration. Being fully engaged in a book involves closing off the outside world and immersing yourself in the text, which, over time, will strengthen your attention span.

4. Books make you smarter.

Books offer an outstanding wealth of knowledge. People who know that there is so much to learn from books and who read regularly tend to be smarter than those who don’t. They also tend to have more open minds and are more aware of their surroundings.

5. Reading reduces stress.

Reading has a positive effect on the body as well. Reading a book can relieve stress better than taking a walk or listening to music can. According to studies, those who read more tend to have lower stress levels.

6. Books build your vocabulary.

Reading improves your vocabulary and command of language. As you read, you come across new words, idioms, phrases, and writing styles.

8. Reading improves your writing.

Reading a well-written book helps you to become a better writer. When you read, your brain absorbs skillful writing techniques and vocabulary words. Many successful authors read others’ works to gain their expertise. So, if you want to become a better writer, start by learning from previous masters.

9. You can take books anywhere.

Books are portable and lightweight. They are not like computers and games that take up so much space. You can pack a book in your handbag and easily carry it everywhere. You can read anywhere, anytime.

10. You have many book choices.

There are so many delightful books to read that you will never finish them all in your lifetime. Authors have been writing books for centuries; someone is writing a book right now, and in the future, authors will continue to write books. Whether you’re looking for something to inspire you, something to make you laugh, something to spark romance or even something that will help you gain a new skill, there is a book with exactly what you’re looking for.

11. You become a better conversationalist by reading.

Reading increases your vocabulary and your knowledge of how to correctly use words; therefore, reading can help you clearly articulate what to say. The knowledge you gain from reading also gives you lots to talk about with others. I love talking to people – especially those like me – who read a lot. Their conversations tend to be deep, and they make me grin, especially when we share our thoughts and have meaningful conversations.

12. Books inspire you to live a better life.

Books give you tools to improve your life. There are a handful of books that have permanently changed the way I view the world, the way I view my life, and my state of mind. The strongest positive impact of reading is when you pick up a book and it helps you with something in your own life.

13. Reading is fun.

No explanation needed here.

14. Reading can help you save the world.

How? Well, this world needs more educated, open-minded people that are full of inspirational ideas. Reading creates such people, especially when you do it in a varied way, with openness for different topics and concepts.

15. Books expand your imagination.

Reading exposes you to many wonderful things. This helps your imagination, especially when it comes to creating and thinking. By reading, you are painting the story’s pictures in your mind. Books can open the world in ways you might never have imagined.

16. Reading is free entertainment.

Reading is the best cheap entertainment you can get. You don’t have to spend hundreds of dollars on books, either; just visit your local library.

In honor of National Book Lovers Day, I challenge you to put away your smartphones, pull out a good book, and read.

Reading will make your brain come alive.