I am fully convinced that reading is one of the best things a person can do for themselves. Books serve so many different purposes, and can even help with stress. What I would like to do is suggest the three types of books that I think everyone needs to read. Not a multi-reader? You don’t have to be one to read these books. Go through each category one at a time if you want, but if you are a reader or want to become one, these are the type of books I recommend.
Book Type 1: Fiction
Ever since I was a child, I have been a fiction fan. There is something about it that can take you away from all of your stresses and help you to relax (even if the book is gripping). Fiction has many different genres which makes choosing a book to read easy, if you know what kind of genre you like. One of the benefits of constantly reading fiction is that you will never be bored. Hugh B. Brown once said, “I seldom go anywhere without a book.” As I have made this my personal philosophy when it comes to fiction, I have never been bored so long as I have a book on hand.
Reading fiction can also help improve your imagination, which is important no matter how old you are, or how old you get. Reading classics such as Anne of Green Gables or To Kill A Mockingbird can also benefit a reader by helping them expand their vocabulary. Another benefit to reading fiction is broadening your horizons. Being able to say that you are well-read means that you have read many different genres, which may mean getting out of your comfort zone. Trying out new books is always a plus.
Book Type 2: Self-Help
I personally believe that you can learn anything you want about any subject by reading about it. If you want to learn more about Spanish culture, you can go read a book about it. Want to learn a language? There are books for that as well. Self-help books don’t only have to mean that the words “for dummies” are in the title. A self-help book can be a book that helps you with anything you need.
This semester at school, I noticed a friend of mine had a book entitled Guide To Personal Finance by Kenneth M. Morris and Virginia B. Morris. The book is only 137 pages long, and has a lot of illustrations. I found out that she was reading this book in relation to her Personal Finance class on campus. I decided that I wanted to learn more about personal finance, so I went out and bought the book for myself. Even though I am constantly reading for my major, I have found times to read between classes and homework. It has educated me on topics that I didn’t know a lot about, and I am grateful that I am able to learn new things through books of this kind.
Book Type 3: Uplifting
This book type is broad, and for good reason. Books that are uplifting to some might be a downer to someone else. The definition for an uplifting book is simple; it is any kind of book that is uplifting to you. Personally, for me, my uplifting books are usually religious books that I read at the beginning of my day to uplift me and give me a reason to smile as I go about my day. Reading these books are simply good for your mood, and can help improve your day.
There are many other different types of books out there. I have a friend who is really into biographies, and while that is not my personal favorite, that type of book works for her. While these three categories of books are the ones that I think everyone should be reading, the main point is to read. Read everything you can. Read books you would normally never read. Be adventurous! You never know where a book will take you until you pick it up.
