Is Reading Timeless?

I love reading. Anyone who knows me has seen me with a book at some point. I’ve been consumed by the love for books for as long as I can remember. My mother is the same, so is my grand mother, my older brother and my little sister…

In our fast-paced world, technology-driven lives, it is easier to passively consume digital content rather than to read as the former often overshadows the quiet pleasure of flipping through a book. Yet, reading has shown over time its multiple benefits whether for personal development, professional growth, or leisure. This post explores the timeless value of books and why reading should reclaim its revered status in our daily lives.

Experiment with Different Genres

I don’t really think about the types of book I am consuming. As long as I am submerged in the content it is all that matters to me. It could be a kid book I’ll be loving the moment if the story is catching my attention and interest.

I’ve been known to carry with me 3 to 5 books from various genres whenever I leave my place for more than 3 days – as I never know ahead of time which one will catch my interest when the desire to read will emerge. I like to have choices. That’s typical of me 🙂

There was a summer where I read all seven of the Millenium books and other crime fictions from Actes Sud. By the end of that summer I couldn’t continue on that dark path and I switched to some very light-hearted stories of less than 200 pages. The next summer I was all over self-help books. Recently I have been discovering spiritual books and indulging again in philosophical ones. I can not turn away from many historical fictions or autobiographic books. I love reading various kinds of books.

How to Overcome a Reading Rut

I often praise that we should experiment with different genres. Especially when we find ourselves in a reading slump. This phase where we want to read but have little to no interest to our favorite genres can be pretty frustrating. But we should not lose faith. Sometimes we have to wait it out. Personally I like to shake it up by exploring new worlds & ideas I would not have encountered otherwise. Usually, the passion for reading reignites.

However I have one rule: I do not force myself to read. If I do not feel like reading after trying a few pages, I put that book down. Try another one. Another time. Unless I have to read it for work or education, I should not disgust myself from a pleasurable hobby by forcing it.

Sometimes it is not the right book nor the right moment. One of my favorite book took me months before I opened it and when I did, I was very grateful. Had I read it when I first bought it, I would not have gained half the lessons I did when the timing was finally right. It is okay to let books sit for a while. Another lesson or story might be elsewhere waiting to be found.

A Cocktail of Emotions

A reading experience can also be very intense as we zone out of the real world and into the story. As watching a movie does, it can bring a wide range of emotions out of you: anger, sadness, shock, joy… But I love reading more than I do watching a movie as with books, the experience will last longer.

I find this longer emotional engagement very interesting for the readers. It enhances their emotional intelligence and compassion. Especially with fictions where readers live vicariously through the stories of others and their diverse emotions. Reading literature creates a sense of connection the broader human experience. It allows readers to foster empathy as they experience life from new perspectives.

Books can provide a safe space to explore such complex emotions and thoughts. Many books that are not of the ‘self help’ category can also teach life lessons. Various stories can make us question the world, other people’s behaviors and ourselves. To sense some of our values, we just have to listen to our own reactions and thoughts while reading. What are we feeling during a particular violent or sad scene, what emotions come out? Characters and stories can often mirror the reader’s own experiences and feelings.

Mental Relaxation

Books are also a sanctuary for the mind. They offer a reprieve from the stresses of our daily lives. This escape from reality provides a mental break and a chance for the readers to recharge. Even surrounded by people and noises, reading offers us some time alone with our thoughts, guided by the narrative. This ‘me-time’ is the perfect private retreat to enjoy solitude.

I love reading when it puts me in a state of meditation. It can help reduce my anxiety as it requires my undivided attention. It draws me away from my worries by focusing on a narrative that demands my full engagement. This diversion of our attention and meditative state can also be reached through other activities such as cooking alone, listening to piano, walking in nature…

Bibliotherapy

Depending on the content, engaging with books can lead to greater self-awareness and personal growth. If you allow yourself to go deeper than just scamming words or hearing a story, it can be a real therapeutic tool. Along with journaling, reading has had a very healing power on myself. Many books have offered me solace and comfort during difficult times, uplifting my spirit. Stories of perseverance and success have inspired me and encouraged to pursue my own dreams and goals.

As stated earlier, reading also allows for personal reflection. I have learned a lot about my deep desires and blockages by reading other people’s thoughts. I have discovered the world as much through reading as through traveling.

To Read is To Travel

Traveling is possible with many books, fictional or not. Recently I have read ‘L’usure d’un monde‘, where the writer details his forty days through Iran in 2022. As you uncover the country’s culture and rules, the author also shares his thoughts on what is courage, fear and anger. Through his eyes, I discovered a glimpse of a country that has already lost so much. Through his own reflexion, and with mine added on top, I have questioned humanity.

Historical Insight

Books often provide deep insights into different cultures, histories and philosophies. Books are more than just carriers of stories; they are cultural artifacts that reflect the societies from which they emerge. They preserve history, capture the mood of different eras, and serve as a testament of human thoughts. It is through children books that I have learned history as a kid, not through school’s Manuels. As I matured with age, so did the books I selected and the insights deepened.

Intellectual Stimulation

Reading is a powerful tool for cognitive development. Done regularly, it stimulates the brain and forms new neural pathways. It enhances vocabulary, improves focus and concentration. Each book is a mental gym where our comprehension and analytical skills are put to the test differently every time. It breaks the monotony of routine. It sparks curiosity and creativity. Engaging with books encourages critical thinking and imagination.

I have learned most of my English vocabulary through reading. Years later, as I came to realize that my French vocabulary had plummeted, I started reading in French again. By the end of the summer, I felt more confident in my writing skills. My eloquence had also largely improved. Reading for hours highly concentrated as taught me a lot on being focused and silent.

For children and adults alike, the importance of books in education is immense. They are the vessels through which knowledge has been passed down through generations. Reading is crucial for learning and academic success. It enables us to acquire new concepts and broaden our horizons.

Is the love of books teachable?

I believe that to love reading is to be blessed. My step-sister and I can spend hours in our bubble, totally immersed in the story we are discovering. Nothing else matters. It is totally effortless and with very much interest.

On the other spectrum I have two best friends who would love to ‘be able to read’ like I do. They say I am lucky. They can not seem to stay focus for long. It requires a lot of motivation and effort for them to read. Many books seem to not captivate them all the way through. They sometimes want to read the end immediately. Even if the story interest them, they can get bored easily with the activity of reading. So how can we, readers, help them join the club?

Fostering a Reading Culture

Reviving the love of reading may require a conscious effort, but it is undoubtedly worthwhile.

Discussing books with others and sharing insights can provide new perspectives to readers and motivate them to read more. Being part of a reading community such as a book club can encourage one to read more. But for younger generations, a book club might not be very appealing due to its formal appearance. It can intimidate or bore. But what if we causally started talking about the books we read as much as the TV-show we watch? Then maybe it could spike interest among younger generations.

Lending or offering books is another way of sharing the love of reading. I often lend books to friends when the content made me think of them. This very personal act often touches them sentimentally and I like to believe it motivates them a little bit more to turn the pages. Turning to books for presents is another way to get them inside people’s homes. As many won’t go to a library, let us bring the books to them.

CONCLUSION: Embrace the Written word

Let us not underestimate the value of reading, for it is through the written word that we can truly discover the world and ourselves. Reading is a gift to be cherished, and its significance will endure as long as there are stories to be told and curious minds eager to explore them.

In an age where reading is often underrated, it is essential to remember the power that lies within the pages of a book. Reading is a fundamental skill that opens doors to knowledge, growth, and entertainment. Whether through escapism, empathy, or intellectual stimulation, reading remains a powerful tool for mental well-being and overall growth.

It is up to us to ensure that the importance of reading is never forgotten.