1. Reading is good for your brain “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” Joseph Addison penned this quote roughly 300 years ago, before modern science and research equipment could back up his claim. Today, however, scientific studies show that reading docs make you smarter. Reading a novel, for example, increases the blood flow and improves connectivity in the brain.  
2. Reading introduces you to new ideas and invites you to solve problems. Have you ever solved a case in a mystery book before you read the conclusion or predicted a turn of events in a novel? Your analytical thinking was stimulated merely from reading. Reading helps you detect patterns, solve problems, and assimilate new information as if you were living in the characters’ shoes.
3. Reading makes you a better writer, when you read, your brain absorbs good writing techniques and vocabulary. In your own writing, you will unconsciously copy the writing styles of books that held your attention. Reading also enhances your vocabulary and spelling. New words appear in their natural context and you can deduce meaning from the surrounding words, while visually imprinting their spelling for accurate recall.
4. Reading improves your conversational skills because reading increases your vocabulary and your knowledge of how to correctly use new words, Reading helps you clearly articulate what you want to say. The knowledge you gain from reading also gives you lots to talk about with others.
5. Reading strengthens worldview and convictions when you read a book with a concurring worldview. it reinforces your convictions. If you read a book with an opposing worldview. it broadens your perspective and causes you to examine your beliefs and search for truth.
6. Reading improves your self-discipline and consistency. With the modern barrage of media and instant technological information, our attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. Reading a book, unlike skimming a web page, forces you to focus. To get the most out of a story, you must fixate on the plot and complete the book. In doing this, your brain forms deep connections and practices concentration.
7. Reading increases your knowledge of history, Reading can teach you historical politics, customs, cultures, economics, and intellect. Often these facts are set in a context of a story, making history easy to remember.
8. Reading challenges your imagination as you read, you put yourself in the characters shoes. Your brain goes beyond the words on the page, imagining details such as appearances, emotions, and surroundings. William Styron wrote, “A great book should leave you with many experiences, and slightly exhausted at the end. You live several lives while reading”

Compiled by

Ganesha H, Librarian, KAPMI