The Power of Books: Why Reading Still Matters
Reading time
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In the world we live in today, there’s an abundance of things constantly vying for our attention. Indeed, smartphones, streaming services, podcasts, and the general hustle and bustle of day-to-day life often compete for our focus. Despite all this, the power of the written (or typed) word hasn’t dwindled, although its form has certainly changed in many ways.
Whether bound in paper or stored on a screen, books hold power far beyond mere entertainment. They can serve as vital educational tools, gateways to knowledge that foster growth and progress. They can also enhance one’s creative and critical thinking skills, abilities that can benefit an individual’s life in general. Perhaps especially important given the unrelenting speed and clutter of modern life, books can have a positive impact on mental well-being, helping to relax and reduce stress.
With that said, let’s take a closer look at the power within those pages.
Reading in the digital age
It’s safe to say that modern technology has revolutionized the ways we read. Although some still prefer the tangible feeling of the pages between their fingertips, the emergence of e-books has made countless written works accessible to a much broader audience. In addition, audiobooks, which once resided within cumbersome CD containers, can now be listened to wherever, whenever; gone are the days of missing a major plot development due to a scratch on your CD!
Of course, for those who do value physical books, especially if they’re looking to reduce screen time, that option is still readily available. In fact, thanks to the internet, the demand for physical copies remains strong, with plenty of online vendors offering both new and second-hand copies which can be delivered straight to your door. Even if you visit the library, online catalogues help you find exactly what you need, preventing you from getting lost among the shelves looking for that one particular novel (although a bit of in-person browsing is still as fun as ever).
What’s the story?
Odds are, as a member of modern society, none of these revelations about reading and its technological developments are particularly groundbreaking.
So why bring this up? It’s to stress how accessible reading is, which is especially important for the younger generation, who are growing up with these technologies. Of course, with the rise of tablets, smartphones, and on-demand entertainment, it can be difficult to get children to set aside some reading time.
Doing so is still crucial though, as reading requires active engagement which, unlike the passive video consumption many devices offer, helps children to develop concentration and comprehension abilities. Of course, the very devices that can pose problems can also be useful, with educational apps and digital resources being accessible via these devices. However, it’s probably still a good idea to limit children’s screen exposure. In this case, perhaps a good old-fashioned paper book is the best solution.
Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure
If you appreciate the importance of fostering a love of reading in children, Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure is an invaluable resource.
Whether you’re an experienced educator or just starting out, Reading Teachers offers insights and case studies that can help you create lasting, positive reading experiences for your students.
A lifelong tool for growth
Although the importance of fostering an interest in reading at an early age cannot be underestimated, it’s worth saying that plenty of the benefits books can offer kids can also apply to adults.
First off, reading helps keep the brain engaged, which some believe can help slow cognitive decline in later years. It can also hone concentration, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills, which can certainly be useful in professional settings, and everyday life.
As we mentioned earlier, reading can also help reduce stress and improve one’s emotional well-being, allowing the mind an opportunity to focus on something immersive and enjoyable. Of course, there are plenty of self-help and personal development books out there that can offer valuable insights into well-being, but works of fiction can also serve a cathartic purpose, and help readers to understand different perspectives and emotions.
How to get into reading
So, you’re convinced that books and reading offer plenty of benefits, but you’re a bit stuck when it comes to incorporating reading into your life. Here are a few tips that will hopefully help in that regard:
Start small and make it a habit:
Begin with short stories, essays, or articles to build the habit without feeling overwhelmed. Set a small, achievable goal, such as reading just 10–15 minutes a day.Choose the right books:
Pick books that align with personal interests, whether that’s fiction, memoirs, history, or self-improvement. You could even explore different formats, such as audiobooks for commutes, e-books for convenience, or graphic novels for a visually engaging experience.Reduce distractions:
Create a comfortable reading space with good lighting and minimal interruptions. Try pairing with another relaxing activity, like enjoying a cup of tea or listening to music.Leverage technology:
Use e-readers to access thousands of books conveniently, with adjustable text sizes and built-in dictionaries. You can also subscribe to digital libraries and audiobook services for easy access to a variety of genres.
The endless rewards of reading
Whether we’re looking to foster the love of reading in children, or rediscover the joy of books as adults, reading offers endless opportunities for growth, self-discovery, and enrichment. In a world filled with distractions, taking some time to immerse ourselves in a book could be more important than ever.
So, whether you prefer a novel, a memoir, or something a bit more technical, hopefully this has served as a handy reminder of the power in those pages. There’s certainly plenty out there for you to flick through, so get out there and discover something new!
Further learning
Closing the Reading Gap by Alex Quigley explores the science and history of reading, offering evidence-based strategies and practical solutions to help teachers effectively close the reading gap and nurture students’ ability to read for both pleasure and academic success.
Experiencing English Literature by Andrew Atherton offers a timely and insightful exploration of the vital role student response plays in English Literature classrooms, providing practical strategies to foster authentic, co-constructed responses and rejuvenate the teaching of novels, plays, poetry, and writing at all levels.
Empathy and the Novel by Suzanne Keen compiles her groundbreaking research on narrative empathy, exploring how reading evokes empathy through narratives and offering valuable insights into its theoretical, reader-centric, and interdisciplinary applications.
Reading Communities on Social Media explores the dynamic reading cultures fostered on platforms like BookTube, Bookstagram, and BookTok, highlighting how social media has empowered readers to shape literary culture.
Inside Book Publishing (7th edition) offers a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the book publishing industry, covering key areas such as author commissioning, design, production, marketing, and sales.
Reading Teachers: Nurturing Reading for Pleasure provides primary school educators with research-backed strategies and practical tools to foster a love of reading in children, highlighting the impact of engaged and reflective teachers.