Throughout your schooling, you were certainly forced to read books that you did not enjoy. And let’s face it, it is sometimes much easier to put on the TV than it is to open a book. I’ve done this plenty of times. Instead of reading the next chapter of my book, it’s often a lot easier to hit play on the next episode of the newest Netflix show. But it is really important that you read.
Of course, there are so many different things to read: books, newspapers, magazines, poetry, plays, blogs and so much more. There is something for everyone. What you read does not always have to be the “right” choice. We’ve all done it. You read something meaningless that passes the time. It’s not fantastic literature and it won’t be something that truly touched you. But who’s to say that it’s “wrong”?
Regardless of what you read, you’re bound to take something away from it. Whether you learn something new or whether you simply pass the time, you benefit from reading. You might learn some new vocabulary. (Yes, this is possible even for adults who no longer need to pass vocabulary tests in school.)
You might learn about a new place. I just finished reading “Swing Time” by Zadie Smith. Much of the story takes place in Gambia and its protagonist is a young woman from the UK, who struggles with her relationships, heritage, dreams and future. I can confidently say that I’ve learned a lot about things I did not have a well-rounded knowledge of before reading this book.
But that’s the beauty of reading a novel. You’re presented with information in an interesting and evocative way. You’re drawn into the story as it unfolds and you’re encouraged to think about how it might end.
If you don’t want to read an entire book, you can always read the news. This is a very different reading experience, but it also has tremendous benefits. You learn more about the world around you. News sources present a wide array of information, from politics to human rights, economics, culture and religion, to name a few. Regardless of what you already know, the news will certainly expand your insight.
So I encourage you, try to read more. If you already read the news, try to read it from a different perspective. If you love The New York Times, try reading Al-Jazeera. If you already read novels, try reading a different type of novel. There’s always something to learn and there’s always a new perspective. Plus, you’ll be able to answer so many more “Jeopardy” questions.
