What are the benefits of reading books!!?

Question

What are the benefits of reading books!!?

Answer 1

According to a recent study by the National Endowment for the Arts,

the amount of reading done for pleasure is down in this country,

especially reading of literature such as fiction, poetry and drama. It

is happening across all age groups, all genders and races, regardless

of income, education, or region. Perhaps most disturbing, the steepest

decline has come among young adults, ages 18 to 24, over the past two

decades."

"Reading is the best thing we can do, for ourselves and each other.

Not only does it enrich our lives, but it can enrich the world around

us. As the NEA survey also indicates, people who read for pleasure are

many more times more likely than those who don't to visit museums and

attend concerts, and almost three times as likely to perform volunteer

and charity work. Readers are active participants in the world around

them, and that is the best kind of person to be."

"Is your life so busy you're wondering how you are going to find time

to read more, especially when it's just for 'pleasure'? Having trouble

justifying it, even to yourself? Leisure activities like reading are

often the things that slide when life goes into overdrive. And that's

sad because it's an activity that can make life richer and more

enjoyable.

A lot has been written about the benefits of reading for and to

children. However, there is very little about the benefits to adults

in engaging in regular reading. Let me assure you that the benefits

for adults do exist and are many and varied.

Some of these include:

1. Providing an escape from the day-to-day Fiction is a great way to

take a quick immediate break, to be instantly transported into another

world. Today you could be in America, in the deep south with Alice

Walker's 'The Colour Purple', tomorrow in the Australian bush with Tim

Winton's 'Dirt Music', next week in downtown London with Helen

Fielding's 'Bridget Jones Diary' and next month in Ireland with Jim

O'Neill's 'At Swim, Two Boys'. There is no limit to the places fiction

can take you.

2. Relaxation There is something about stopping to focus on words

arranged for our reading pleasure that is instantly relaxing. Maybe

it's staying still, something that doesn't seem to happen often

enough. Maybe it's knowing that we are stepping into a secret world

that we have to relax enough to enter. Then there is the words

themselves. The beauty and rhythm of language has the ability to calm

and relax us.

3. Stress relief Taking your mind off your own problems, even for a

few minutes, can have a therapeutic effect and be a timely circuit

breaker. This is so effective that the National Health System in the

United Kingdom has introduced a 'Reading and You Scheme'. The scheme

encourages mental health patients to read more as part of their

therapy for reducing stress and overcoming anxiety, depression and

social isolation.

4. Stimulates the right side of your brain Reading opens your mind to

new possibilities. It stretches your imagination in new and wonderful

directions and takes your mind on a wonderful journey through others'

lives.

5. Entertaining Fiction is capable of provoking many and varied

emotional responses – it can make you laugh out loud, it can make

tears spill onto the page, it can be edge-of-the seat terrifying, it

can make you blush with embarrassment, it can challenge your core

beliefs. There is a world of emotion in every story and you as the

reader get to be part of it.

6. Enjoyable Reading is a deeply satisfying pursuit. The expression

'curling up with a book' evokes a warm and cosy image and feels

luxurious if you don't get to do it often.

7. Rejuvenating Reading is an easy and quick way to nourish your soul

because it is for the most part a solitary pursuit. And being alone,

or at least alone in your thoughts, on a regular basis is crucial to

maintaining a sense of self. As I'm sure you know, it's easier to give

to others when you feel fulfilled and your needs are met. Even just a

few minutes of reading can keep you going throughout the day. Of

course, you know you've read something special when you find your

thoughts continually re-visiting it.

Reading is like exercising – mental and physical benefits flow from a

regular routine.

Answer 2

I think the benefits or reading are waning as technology increases.  I learn more from watching a series on the History ro Discovery Channels than I do reading a dry history textbook.

and with special effects, etc.- even books such as the Tolkien Trilogy do not have much benefit over watching the movies.

However, some books, such as Anna Karenina (Tolstoy) are too complex mentally and psychologically to be made effectively into a movie- of course, there is really no benefit, other than passing the time a personal enjoyment, for reading such a book.

Answer 3

Books are the source of any kind and level of knowledge in the world.                 Any subject, country, state, health issue, political issues, history, science, art, etc. etc.        And the wonderful thing about books, if you cannot afford to purchase them, you can borrow books for free from the many libraries in your area.               Happy Reading!

Answer 4

To explore new worlds from your comfy chair.

To exercise your brain.

To have something to talk about with other people.

Answer 5

ur not serious are u? when u read u learn stuff, can go into imaginary places and all kinds of good/cool stuff! alot of those movies u see in the movie thearter were once books! i personally think thats really cool nd no im noo LOSER!