How Reading Books Transforms You: The Specific Benefits of Engaging with Literature

Ever pondered the current state of "reading" in man's life? It's such a pity to witness how this activity is gradually falling out of favor. Gone are the days when its mention sparked lively discussions, when noblemen couldn't pass a day without indulging in it, and even the common man took pride in its prominence. The reasons behind the decline in reading are plentiful, including technological advancements and the rise of social media applications, among others. The good news is that all the benefits derived from reading persist to this day. Here are seven important reasons why you should rediscover the joys of reading.

Being able to effectively read and understand books written in the language of instruction (LOI) positions you for academic greatness. As asserted by Altarriba and Heredia (2018), proficient reading is paramount for success across diverse academic fields and significantly contributes to personal and professional development. Regrettably, a considerable number of students are currently struggling with their studies due to inadequate reading habits. Consequently, their educational achievements suffer adverse consequences. Therefore, to enhance your academic performance and achieve your goals, it is highly required of you to read relevant books. Reading academic-related books will give you a deeper understanding of the concepts taught in class. It will also introduce you to several rich explanations related to the concept. This will deepen your knowledge and set you up for extraordinary academic discourse.

Reading different genres of books that have diverse settings challenges readers’ points of view. It makes readers pause to reflect on their pre-existing conceptions about nature, race, and countries. Ella, a TED speaker and an avid reader shares her story: “After reading books such as To Kill a Mockingbird, I now consider things from people’s point of view every time”(TEDx Talks 2021). Looking at things differently breeds tolerance, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking. As the world turns into a global village, it is incumbent upon us to continue reading to fit in and always make others feel at home.

In today's world, traveling, tourism, and vacations have become increasingly popular. While many aspire to explore the world, the reality is that only a few can afford it. Surprisingly, there is a way to access free visas and tickets without any restrictions - through reading. Yes, you read that correctly. Immersing yourself in books about tourist destinations, diverse genres, and documentaries allows you to embark on journeys around the globe. Through the pages, you can visualize and experience the wonders of magnificent places, creating an enriching expedition within your mind. Dr. Seuss (1978, 35) eloquently captures this sentiment in his book, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!, stating, “The more you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go.”

Numerous studies have demonstrated that reading is a highly effective method for enhancing vocabulary. As you engage in reading, you naturally encounter and utilize a greater variety of words. Acquiring the meanings of unfamiliar words encountered in books serves to enrich your lexicon. This advancement in vocabulary facilitates improved comprehension, spelling, and oral expression. Furthermore, encountering unfamiliar words in context within sentences provides additional insight into their meanings. This contextual learning method often enables faster acquisition of new vocabulary compared to the isolated process of looking up words in a dictionary.

Ever wondered how to become a prolific writer? The answer is simple: just read! Exploring various literary genres, such as drama and prose, introduces you to diverse and unique writing styles. Through reading, you'll learn to craft sentences creatively, evoking vivid mental images in your readers' minds. Books can provide you with the knowledge to emulate existing writing styles or develop your own. Similarly, you can enhance your academic writing skills by reading books related to your field.

One of the growing concerns in today’s world is mental health. Many individuals are facing challenging times that adversely affect their well-being. Reading serves as a powerful tool for alleviating mental health issues. By engaging with literary works, individuals find solace in characters who experience similar struggles, fostering a sense of connection and reassurance. Witnessing characters overcome their obstacles instills hope and resilience in readers, empowering them to confront their own challenges with a positive outlook and begin seeking solutions.

Reading is undeniably enjoyable. Just ask any bookworm, and they'll willingly attest to the sheer entertainment that reading offers. Once fully immersed in an interesting book, you'll come to appreciate its addictive and charming appeal. Whether reading genres like comedy, prose fiction, or tragicomedy for its great sense of humor, or exploring documentaries for a cozy connection to nature, reading provides a plethora of fun experiences. What's remarkable is that all these enjoyable activities come at no cost.

Reading is the surest way to improve all aspects of one’s life: be it spiritual, physical, emotional, financial, academic, health, or social. Whatever you do, never stop reading as it will entertain, educate, improve your mental health, and enhance your vocabulary, communication, and writing skills. Although addiction is bad, getting addicted to reading mind-blowing books can be one of life’s greatest pleasures.

Altarriba, Jeanette, and Roberto R. Heredia, eds. 2008. An Introduction to Bilingualism: Principles and Processes. New York: Routledge.

Seuss, Dr. 1978. I Can Read With My Eyes Shut! New York: Random House. PDF.

TEDx Talks. 2021. "The Benefits of Reading | Ella Lee | TEDxYouth@MBJH." YouTube video, 06:58. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jEpWYkUCL44