Books unlock realms within our minds.
While my preference leans towards visual storytelling mediums like series, films, and interactive games, I’ve always relished spending quality time with an engaging book. Unless it was imposed for school or something (which tainted my experience with Catcher in the Rye), I delighted in picking up the nearest novel and getting lost in its storyline for an afternoon. This remains true today, even as physical books become slightly less prevalent. The manner in which you access a piece of writing doesn’t matter; what matters is that you engage with it.
Aside from immersing ourselves in new and intriguing tales for sheer enjoyment, reading offers a plethora of advantages for our mental and emotional well-being. Following a narrative helps in the cultivation of focus and comprehension, ultimately aiding in refining problem-solving abilities. Exploring works by various authors also aids in broadening your lexicon. Observing words used in novel manners and contexts stimulates your curiosity, compelling you to experiment with them on your own.
Speaking of diverse viewpoints, immersing yourself in a novel narrated from a perspective different from your own aids in cultivating empathy. Understanding events and motives from a protagonist’s lens is a requisite in reading a story, and since you’re not the protagonist, you’re encouraged to perceive the world in diverse ways.
Yet, beyond all these advantages, reading is simply a serene endeavor. It serves as a quiet, enjoyable way to while away time (as long as you aren’t facing a deadline). If you lack the time or inclination, you need not necessarily delve into entire novels. While the digital era may be diminishing physical books, it introduces a surge in short stories and fanfiction. The internet is overflowing with excellent material to peruse, along with some subpar works; however, with experience, you’ll swiftly discern between quality and mediocrity.