Why You Should Read More Books

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:27 pm

How many books do you read each year? I read about ten on average.

If you are one of the non-book readers who feels you “don’t need no stinking books”, here are 26 great reasons to start the habit…before you are left behind!

1. Reading is an active mental process - Unlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter.

2. It is a fundamental skill builder - Every good course on the planet has a matching book to go with it. Why? Because books help clarify difficult subjects. Books provide information that goes deeper than just classroom discussion.

3. Improves your vocabulary - Remember in elementary school when you learned how to infer the meaning of one word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence? You get the same benefit from book reading. While reading books, especially challenging ones, you will find yourself exposed to many new words you wouldn’t be otherwise.

4. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places - What is your favorite vacation spot? I would bet you read a lot about that destination. The more information the better. Books can expand your horizons by letting you see what other cities and countries have to offer before you visit them.

5. Improves concentration and focus - Like I pointed out before, reading books takes brain power. It requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods. Unlike magazines, Internet posts or e-Mails that might contain small chunks of information. Books tell the whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, like a muscle, you will get better at concentration.

6. Builds self-esteem - By reading more books, you become better informed and more of an expert on the topics you read about. This expertise translates into higher self esteem. Since you are so well read, people look to you for answers. Your feelings about yourself can only get better.

7. Improves memory - Many studies show if you don’t use your memory, you lose it. Crossword puzzles are an example of a word game that staves off Alzheimer’s. Reading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way. Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters.

8. Improves your discipline - Obviously, if 1 in 4 people don’t read one book per year, then there is a discipline issue. There may be many causes for people not reading books such as the “quips” of information you can get on the Internet. TV is also a major distracter. Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few… That’s why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline.

9. Learn anywhere - Books are portable. You can take them almost anywhere. As such, you can learn almost anywhere too.

10. Improves creativity - by reading more books and exposing yourself to new and more complete information, you will also be able to come up with more creative ideas. As a personal example, I read many, many books on IT Networking. So often, when IT Admins are stumped with a problem, I can come up with a creative (smack your head simple) solution that isn’t written anywhere. But the reason I can do that is because I have read so many books on the subject, I can combine lessons from all of them into new solutions.

11. Gives you something to talk about - Have you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, wife or husband? This can be uncomfortable. It might even make married couples wonder if their marriage is in trouble. However, if you read a lot of books, you’ll always have something to talk about. You can discuss various plots in the novels you read, you can discuss the stuff you are learning in the business books you are reading as well. The possibilities of sharing are endless.

12. Books are inexpensive entertainment - What’s the average price of a movie ticket these days? $8 - $10? You can buy a paperback for that price and be entertained for many hours more. If you have a used bookstore nearby, you can get them even cheaper.

Tip: Once you make reading a habit, you’ll enjoy reading the books in your chosen career as well.

13. You can learn at your own pace - Where formal education requires time commitments, books have no late-bells or hourly commitments. So you can learn at your own pace when you read books.

14. New mental associations - I touched on this above. As you read more books the depth and breadth of your knowledge expands and your ability to form new associations increases. In reading a book to discover the solution to one problem, you find the solution to others you may not have considered.

15. Improves your reasoning skills - Books for professionals contain arguments for or against the actions within. A book on cooking argues that Chili powder goes well with beef and goes poorly with ice-cream. A book on building a business argues that testing an idea for profitability before setting up is a smart strategy and argues against just barreling forward with the idea without testing.

You too will be able to reason better with the knowledge you gain. Some of the arguments will rub off on you. Others you will argue against. Regardless, you’ll be reasoning better.

16. Builds your expertise - Brian Tracy has said one way to become an expert in your chosen field is to read 100 books on the subject. He also said by continuing the same for 5 years you’ll become an international expert. With the Internet and blogs, you could hone that time down to 2-3 years if you follow through.

17. Saves money - Apart from saving money on entertainment expenses. Reading books that help you develop your skills saves money. Reading books on how someone went bankrupt will be a warning to you against repeating their mistakes. Reading a book on how to build your own backyard deck saves the expense of hiring a contractor.

18. Decreases mistakes - Although I would never suggest putting off an important goal because you fear making mistakes, it is still important to sharpen the saw (link to A.L. post). When you gather the deep and wide wisdom that books can provide, you are less apt to make mistakes.

19. You’ll discover surprises - As you read more books as a source of information, you’ll learn stuff you weren’t looking for. I’ve read many great quotes on life and love by reading books on marketing. I’ve learned facts about biology from reading about chemistry. Heck, I’ve picked up some facts about history while reading about programming. Since so many subjects intertwine it’s almost impossible not to learn something other than the book’s subject.

20. Decreased boredom - One of the rules I have is if I am feeling bored, I will pick up a book and start reading. What I’ve found by sticking to this is that I become interested in the book’s subject and stop being bored. I mean, if you’re bored anyway, you might as well be reading a good book, right?

21. Can change your life - How many times have you heard of a book changing someone’s life? For me, it was Your Erroneous Zones (link) by Wayne Dyer - which is the first self-development book I read. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking that was not depressing and dull. It was the first step in my path of choosing my own life and being free of old habitual thought patterns.

There are many, many other books out there that have a reputation for changing lives including Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, Handbook to Higher Consciousness, Atlas Shrugged , A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Lord of the Rings and Black Boy to name a few. But you can start in your chosen field and work your way outward.

22. Can help break a slump - Being in a slump is uncomfortable. If you are a writer, you call it writer’s block. If you are a salesperson, it’s called - not making a sale in 23 days. But a slump can be a crossroads. It might be you are wavering on your commitment to a particular project or (with marriage) person. Or a slump can be simply a lack of new ideas. Books are a great source of ideas, big and small. So if you find yourself in a slump, pick a book on the portion of your life you are slump-ing and get to reading!

23. Reduces stress - Many avid readers (including me) unwind by reading. Compared with the person who gets home from work and immediately turns on the TV news, you are going from work stress to crime stress. But it’s not just news. TV as a source of relaxation is too full of loud commercials and fast moving (often violent) images. If relaxation is something you want, turn off the TV or computer and pick up a book.

24. Gets you away from digital distractions - If you, like many others, feel overwhelmed with the flashing lights, beeps, boops and ring-a-dings that burn up our computing lives, then give books a chance. When you find some good books, you’ll find yourself drawn into the subject matter. You’ll want to spend more time reading. By spending more time reading books, you’ll have less time for the plethora of the digital gadgets begging for our attention.

25. You’ll make more money - If you make a serious effort to read in your chosen career, your expertise in that specialty will increase. As you become more specialized and learned, you join a smaller group of more qualified people. By being part of the small few with the highest level knowledge your pay will increase. It’s simple supply and demand.

26. The book is always better than the movie - except for perhaps No Country for Old Men.

abbey · Post by **abbey** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:42 pm

I never thought about this before but I must read 40+ per year.

I have books everywhere and sometimes I read several books at one time.

(

not all together cos then I'd be superhuman )

along-for-the-ride · Post by **along-for-the-ride** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:45 pm

Good post, RG.

I don't count the books I've read in a given year.

For a little while, you can get lost in a good book.

I am now reading Pillars of the Earth.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 3:56 pm

Very nice post, I love reading books. I would like more time to read more.

JacksDad · Post by **JacksDad** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:03 pm

27. You can't copy and paste a book!

:D

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:29 pm

I have a commute of approx 60-70 minutes in the a.m., so I usually read about 2 books per month. Its funny, I hardly ever read at home though at night, nor on weekends ... weird.

Snooze · Post by **Snooze** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:42 pm

Probably about a book a week... sometimes more. You can tell I have a lot of time on my hands.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 4:48 pm

Used to read a book every couple of weeks, now I'm lucky if I read one every two months.

Too busy reading textbooks and writing essays, challenging, frustrating but all good at the same time!

Start reading The Tempest on wednesday in Enlglish Lit - eeeeeek!

Sheryl · Post by **Sheryl** » Mon Dec 10, 2007 6:06 pm

Hubby wants to know if magazines count? He reads them like a book, cover to cover. :wah:

sunny104 · Post by **sunny104** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:06 am

Sheryl;737729 wrote: Hubby wants to know if magazines count? He reads them like a book, cover to cover. :wah:

I do that too!

geez, I have loved reading since I was little. I go through at least a few books a week. :-6

lemon_and_mint · Post by **lemon_and_mint** » Tue Dec 11, 2007 8:30 am

i reckon i read 450 a year on average, do i win?

Galbally · Post by **Galbally** » Wed Dec 12, 2007 2:20 am

I read about 20-40 a year I would say, it depends on the type of books they are. God I don't know what I would do without having a book to read, they are such a pleasure in me life.

Sapphire_Alchemist · Post by **Sapphire_Alchemist** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 12:37 pm

I'm lucky enough to live next to a great library and a couple of equally awesome used book stores - so I'm happy!

Because of school, I don't have as much time to read as I'd like to, but if it weren't for that then I'd probably read a book every other day. I have a little brother who loves reading even more than I do (is that even possible :wah:) if given enough reading materials, he can do up to 3 books a day - mostly it's just fiction, but he's only 12 and already he has a large vocabulary and a high level of comprehension. He prefers wordy books (like Eragon, Artemis Fowl, etc) and mangas.

Wow - if it weren't for books, I honestly believe that I'd die! Don't get me wrong though - I do enjoy a good movie every now and again, but they could never top books. Oh and yes - 99.99999999% of the time the book is BETTER than the movie!!!

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:12 pm

That's great about your brother, Sapphire, that should really help him in later life. And I agree 100% with you- books over movies!! I still think the public library is one of the best things you can get for free.

KarmaDoodle · Post by **KarmaDoodle** » Fri Dec 21, 2007 2:54 pm

wow, a few books a week! the luxury! i read about one book every 2 months. i hate that i can't get through books faster, but i just don't have that much time and i am tired after the work day. right now i am reading jane austen's "persuasion" and it's a really good one.

american parable · Post by **american parable** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:01 pm

I just discovered and lost RedGlitter tonight. I read on another thread that she left the ForumGarden because she was discouraged by other members? Can that be so?

I came here because I'm currently a little nuts about the movie No Country For Old Men. Anyway, I just read that RedGlitter loves books and thinks they are always better than the movie, with one exception . . . NCFOM.

This really blows my mind!

:-5:-5:-5:-5:-5:-5

The hand and paw high five tell it all about that woman.

WonderWendy3 · Post by **WonderWendy3** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:10 pm

american parable;823447 wrote: I just discovered and lost RedGlitter tonight. I read on another thread that she left the ForumGarden because she was discouraged by other members? Can that be so?

I came here because I'm currently a little nuts about the movie No Country For Old Men. Anyway, I just read that RedGlitter loves books and thinks they are always better than the movie, with one exception . . . NCFOM.

This really blows my mind!

:-5:-5:-5

The hand and paw high five tell it all about that woman.

She was the first person to welcome you to the garden AP....she is here now.:-6

Good OP!....reading is a challenge for me, and I know it is because I grew up watching the boob tube more than reading....well ONE of the reasons...I have read more in the last 2 years than ever in my adult life.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:16 pm

Books are always good companions, I read many books during vacation time, 2-4 a week. I wish I had more time to read, but enjoy it when I can.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:30 pm

Hi American Parable!

I'm here! I did leave for a bit, I needed a break of sorts. I was surprised to see this old thread pop up. That's one of the nice things about having new members as they surf their way through FG

I have found that since having a computer, my concentration is off when it comes to reading. I'm not sure why, maybe it doesn't have anything to do with the computer after all. I have three books on on hand now that I'm going to dig into (I always seem to have multiple books going at any one time) and see if I can work on the concentration thing. Maybe it's like Wendy says about the TV.

I'm glad you like my dog paw photo! That pleases me. :-6

Santanico · Post by **Santanico** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 6:46 pm

I do most of my reading in bed before I sleep, have a really hard time getting to sleep with no book. I gues I'd get through 3-4 a week, depends on how big they are, and how involved the story is. I mean, a Jackie Collins book is a whole lot easier to read than say, Tom Clancy.

RedGlitter · Post by **RedGlitter** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:31 pm

I'm with you, Santanico. Snuggled up in bed with a good book and maybe some rain on the roof is my way to go!

---------------- Listening to: Iris Dement / Letter to Mom via FoxyTunes

moonpie · Post by **moonpie** » Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:31 pm

I read about 3 books per month. My latest favourite author is Kristen Hannah, some really lite reading, but really good too. My friend told me about her. I have also read a lot of James Patterson, and just love his books too. I read mostly on my commute back and forth to work cause I am a little over an hour commuting, and it sure helps kill the time. I don't read much at home because of too many other things to do and deal with. But, I love books, it is a great release from boredom.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Apr 02, 2008 5:52 am

I'm still reading text books and writing essays and I'm really missing going to bed with a good novel! Not much longer to go, course finishes in June :guitarist

We're just starting a novel in English Lit so I will have to find time to read that, looks good so far it's The Handmaids Tale by Margaret Atwood, enjoyed the first three chapters in the bath this morning.

raptures_music · Post by **raptures_music** » Tue Sep 23, 2008 1:15 am

I'm printing your post and making a poster out of it to hang on my wall in my room.

I also read to unwind and to find inspiration (I'm a writer as well, but only as a hobby for the time being). I don't really keep track of how many books I read per month (I usually read 2 or 3 at the same time), but I've noticed a trend: I read far more when I'm in class than when I'm on holiday. I would assume that's because I sleep more on holiday and I go outside more.

Kindle · Post by **Kindle** » Thu Nov 13, 2008 8:37 pm

I read a minimum of one book each month, but usually at least two.

During various reading spurts, I can read four to six a month.

Except for one book chosen by our book discussion group, my other books are all of my own choosing.

I try not to just read to the exclusion of other things, so my reading pattern is always subject to what else is going on in my life at that time.

I like books that are a series and will start with the first and work my way straight thru however many the author has written.

Ozay · Post by **Ozay** » Thu Sep 10, 2009 3:33 pm

I have been reading library books a lot since i have been out of work u cud say that it is a hobby a good hobby when u read non-fiction. I am interested in reading local history books it sure as hell educates u it opens your mind and u can imagine how things used to be or try to picture it that's a great feeling. :-6

Mutley · Post by **Mutley** » Sat Sep 12, 2009 2:38 am

I am lucky that I am a speed reader and always have been. I can read a book in a couple of hours. Got me into trouble at College until my Prof realised that I might speed read but I I take the whole book in!

Hate to think how many books I read in a year but recently gave 400 books to the local charity shop when we cleared out the spare room. And now it's full again! :rolleyes:

Our local library has a neat little scheme to make people read new books.

All the chosen books are in sealed little brown paper bags.

You have NO idea what you are choosing.

Might be fiction, might be fact, might be bio, might be a known author, might not.

Excellent way to discover books!

I also buy about 3 to 4 books a week. Hence the reason the spare room is full again,

Currently re-reading Terry Pratchett Discworld series along with Stephen King Dark Tower series and a boxed set of Peter Robinson that we picked up for £10 for 10 books.

EdisonCheug · Post by **EdisonCheug** » Mon Jul 26, 2010 11:37 pm

yep, really a good post. i also enjoy reading so much.

and i think books lead the way to success.

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 3:46 am

3-5 books a week during summer, the lovely thing about vacation.

guppy · Post by **guppy** » Tue Jul 27, 2010 7:05 am

i used to read alot..i love books.i can so get lost in them..as far as concentration goes..i am good at it..its a running joke with my grown kids..they could tell me anything and i would go..uh huh..and never miss a word..of course i never heard a darn thing they said either..they got where they would tell me outrageous stuff like..mom, i just burned the carport down..i shot the dog..i drove the car off the cliff across the road into the river..stuff like that..lol..

i love the beach..take a lounge chair, an icechest, an umbrella and a good book..i will sit there all day and read my book..thats what i call a perfect day...:-6

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 1:56 am

I read maybe 3 or 4 books a week if I can. I like Patricia Cormwell, Ian Rankin, james Patterson

chonsigirl · Post by **chonsigirl** » Sat Jul 31, 2010 6:48 am

Reread Pride and Prejudice, I just love that book.

Post by **Betty Boop** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 3:37 am

chonsigirl;1325301 wrote: Reread Pride and Prejudice, I just love that book.

I liked it but my favourite remains to be Bleak House at the moment. Currently reading Lady Chatterly's Lover. I'm awaiting my reading list for next term so free reading of my choice ends soon

Bez · Post by **Bez** » Wed Aug 04, 2010 6:20 am

Just finished a Martina Cole novel and about to start on Dan Brown - The Lost Symbol