essay about reading and books

Importance Of Reading Essay

Importance of Reading Essay

500+ words essay on reading.

Reading is a key to learning. It’s a skill that everyone should develop in their life. The ability to read enables us to discover new facts and opens the door to a new world of ideas, stories and opportunities. We can gather ample information and use it in the right direction to perform various tasks in our life. The habit of reading also increases our knowledge and makes us more intellectual and sensible. With the help of this essay on the Importance of Reading, we will help you know the benefits of reading and its various advantages in our life. Students must go through this essay in detail, as it will help them to create their own essay based on this topic.

Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the best hobbies that one can have. It’s fun to read different types of books. By reading the books, we get to know the people of different areas around the world, different cultures, traditions and much more. There is so much to explore by reading different books. They are the abundance of knowledge and are best friends of human beings. We get to know about every field and area by reading books related to it. There are various types of books available in the market, such as science and technology books, fictitious books, cultural books, historical events and wars related books etc. Also, there are many magazines and novels which people can read anytime and anywhere while travelling to utilise their time effectively.

Benefits of Reading for Students

Reading plays an important role in academics and has an impactful influence on learning. Researchers have highlighted the value of developing reading skills and the benefits of reading to children at an early age. Children who cannot read well at the end of primary school are less likely to succeed in secondary school and, in adulthood, are likely to earn less than their peers. Therefore, the focus is given to encouraging students to develop reading habits.

Reading is an indispensable skill. It is fundamentally interrelated to the process of education and to students achieving educational success. Reading helps students to learn how to use language to make sense of words. It improves their vocabulary, information-processing skills and comprehension. Discussions generated by reading in the classroom can be used to encourage students to construct meanings and connect ideas and experiences across texts. They can use their knowledge to clear their doubts and understand the topic in a better way. The development of good reading habits and skills improves students’ ability to write.

In today’s world of the modern age and digital era, people can easily access resources online for reading. The online books and availability of ebooks in the form of pdf have made reading much easier. So, everyone should build this habit of reading and devote at least 30 minutes daily. If someone is a beginner, then they can start reading the books based on the area of their interest. By doing so, they will gradually build up a habit of reading and start enjoying it.

Frequently Asked Questions on the Importance of Reading Essay

What is the importance of reading.

1. Improves general knowledge 2. Expands attention span/vocabulary 3. Helps in focusing better 4. Enhances language proficiency

What is the power of reading?

1. Develop inference 2. Improves comprehension skills 3. Cohesive learning 4. Broadens knowledge of various topics

How can reading change a student’s life?

1. Empathy towards others 2. Acquisition of qualities like kindness, courtesy

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Essay On Importance Of Reading Books -100, 200,300, and 500 Words

Imagine a world where every individual harnesses the power to explore, understand, and connect with the vast expanse of human knowledge and emotion. Reading books is the key to unlocking this potential, offering unparalleled depth of insight and breadth of experience. This essay delves into the crucial role reading plays in our personal development and the collective progress of society.

Through the simple act of reading, we embark on countless journeys, each offering new perspectives and profound understandings of the world around us. Books serve as mentors, guiding us through the complexities of life with wisdom accumulated across ages. In exploring the importance of reading, we highlight its invaluable contribution to our intellectual growth and emotional resilience.

Moreover, the habit of reading cultivates a foundation for critical thinking and empathy, essential qualities for navigating the challenges of an ever-evolving world. As we consider the myriad benefits that reading brings to both individuals and communities, we underscore the transformative power of books in shaping informed, thoughtful, and compassionate human beings.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 100 Words

Reading books is a fundamental activity that extends beyond mere entertainment, serving as a vital tool for personal and intellectual development. Through the immersive experience of reading, individuals engage with ideas, cultures, and perspectives vastly different from their own, fostering a broader understanding of the world. This engagement not only enhances knowledge and vocabulary but also stimulates cognitive functions, encouraging critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Moreover, reading offers unparalleled mental health benefits, providing a refuge from the stresses of daily life, reducing anxiety, and promoting relaxation. In essence, the act of reading cultivates a well-rounded, informed, and empathetic individual, highlighting its indispensable role in personal growth and societal progress.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 150 Words

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” This adage encapsulates the essence of reading’s impact, amidst a declining trend in reading for pleasure that threatens cognitive and emotional development. Reading books is fundamental for nurturing personal growth, education, empathy, and critical thinking abilities.

Educational Benefits

Reading not only enriches knowledge and vocabulary but is also proven to enhance academic performance. Exposure to diverse topics and complex vocabulary through books significantly contributes to cognitive development, as evidenced by studies linking regular reading to higher academic achievements.

Personal Growth and Imagination

Books ignite imagination and foster creativity. Engaging with varied narratives allows readers to explore different realities, enhancing empathy and broadening perspectives. This exploration is crucial for developing problem-solving skills and understanding complex social dynamics.

Mental Health Benefits

Moreover, reading offers a unique form of escapism, serving as a therapeutic tool to alleviate stress, improve mood, and enhance overall mental well-being. Immersing oneself in a book provides a much-needed respite from the stressors of daily life, promoting relaxation and tranquility.

Conclusion.

In summary, the multifaceted benefits of reading—from bolstering education and personal development to supporting mental health—underscore its critical role in fostering a well-rounded, empathetic, and informed society. As such, it is imperative to reignite the passion for reading among individuals, encouraging the integration of this invaluable habit into daily routines for the betterment of personal and societal well-being.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 200 Words

In an era where digital media prevails, the timeless virtue of reading books might seem overshadowed. However, the act of reading holds unparalleled value, serving as a cornerstone for personal growth, education, and mental well-being. As George R.R. Martin eloquently put, “A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.” This statement underscores the transformative power of books, which not only enhance our knowledge and vocabulary but also enrich our lives in profound ways.

Engaging with books propels us into a world of learning, where each page adds to our cognitive reservoir. Research has consistently shown that readers exhibit superior vocabulary and comprehension skills, leading to academic and professional excellence. Moreover, the narrative journeys that books offer foster our imagination and creativity, allowing us to explore varied experiences and perspectives. This not only broadens our worldview but also cultivates empathy and understanding towards others.

The benefits of reading extend beyond intellectual enrichment; it’s also a balm for the soul. Studies have revealed that immersing oneself in a good book can significantly reduce stress, enhance mood, and promote mental tranquility. In essence, reading serves as a sanctuary, offering solace and escape from the rigors of daily life.

In conclusion, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. It is a vital activity that nurtures our intellect, sparks our imagination, and soothes our mind. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, let us turn to books as sources of wisdom, creativity, and comfort. Let this be a call to action: to reintegrate reading into our lives and rediscover the joy and enrichment it brings.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 300 Words

In the words of Dr. Seuss, “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This quote encapsulates the boundless benefits of reading, a practice whose decline in recent years poses potential detriments to both society and individuals. The essence of reading books transcends mere hobby; it is foundational for personal growth, education, and the cultivation of empathy and critical thinking.

Reading books significantly enriches knowledge, vocabulary, and academic performance. Studies indicate a strong correlation between habitual reading and scholastic achievements. The exposure to varied subjects and sophisticated vocabularies encountered through reading is instrumental in cognitive development, enhancing comprehension and analytical skills.

Books ignite the imagination and spark creativity, offering an escape to worlds beyond our immediate experiences. Narrative fiction, in particular, is known for its ability to encourage creative problem-solving. By engaging with characters and their diverse predicaments, readers expand their perspectives and foster a deep sense of empathy, connecting with experiences vastly different from their own.

The act of reading also serves as a powerful tool for mental wellness. The research underscores how reading can decrease stress, elevate mood, and promote a state of relaxation. Immersing oneself in a book provides a form of escapism, offering a break from the pressures of daily life and contributing to overall mental health.

The benefits of reading books are multifaceted, enhancing our educational prowess, personal development, and mental well-being. This essay reaffirms the importance of reading as an essential activity for enriching one’s life and the collective fabric of society. As we acknowledge the transformative power of reading, let us advocate for its resurgence, encouraging the formation of reading communities and the integration of reading into our daily routines. Through a commitment to reading, we can unlock the door to a world of knowledge, empathy, and personal fulfillment.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 500 Words

In a world awash with fleeting digital distractions, the sage words of Dr. Seuss resonate more profoundly than ever: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” This simple yet powerful statement encapsulates the essence of reading’s transformative power. Despite the allure of instant digital gratification, recent trends indicate a worrisome decline in reading for pleasure, a shift that could have far-reaching consequences for both individual growth and societal advancement. The cornerstone of this essay is the assertion that reading books is indispensable for personal development, education, and the nurturing of empathy and critical thinking skills.

Reading stands as a pillar of educational enrichment, offering a myriad of cognitive advantages. A substantial body of research highlights a clear correlation between regular engagement with books and enhanced academic performance. Through exposure to diverse topics and complex vocabulary, readers not only acquire new knowledge but also develop critical analytical skills. This cognitive engagement facilitates a deeper understanding of the world, honing the ability to navigate complex problems and abstract concepts.

Beyond academic achievement, the act of reading books is a conduit for personal growth and the expansion of imagination. Narrative fiction, in particular, serves as a playground for the mind, challenging readers to think creatively and solve problems innovatively. Immersing oneself in the lives of characters and the intricacies of their worlds fosters a profound sense of empathy and understanding. This vicarious exploration through reading broadens one’s perspective, cultivating a more inclusive and compassionate worldview.

The significance of reading extends into the realm of mental well-being. Engaging with a book offers a form of escapism unmatched by other media, providing a sanctuary from the stresses of everyday life. Empirical studies support the notion that reading can markedly reduce stress levels, enhance mood, and promote a sense of relaxation and well-being. This therapeutic effect underscores the role of reading as not just an educational tool but also a source of comfort and peace in an increasingly turbulent world.

The discussion herein reaffirms the multifaceted value of reading books, illustrating its critical role in fostering educational prowess, personal development, and mental health. As we navigate the challenges of the digital age, the importance of reconnecting with the simple pleasure of reading cannot be overstated. It is a fundamental practice that enriches our lives, empowering us to reach greater heights of understanding and compassion.

In light of the profound benefits detailed, this essay serves as a clarion call to individuals and communities alike to rekindle their love for reading. Whether through personal commitment or the establishment of book clubs and reading groups, the act of sharing and exploring the world of books can knit tighter bonds among readers, fostering a culture of learning and empathy. Let us, therefore, embrace the timeless wisdom encapsulated in the pages of books, allowing it to guide us toward a more enlightened and connected world.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books 300 Words PDF

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Importance of Reading Books – Essay in 10 Lines, 100 to 1500 Words

Short Essay on Importance of Reading Books

Essay on Importance of Reading Books: Reading books is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology dominates our lives, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, expand our knowledge, and stimulate our imagination. In this essay, we will explore the various benefits of reading books and why it is crucial for individuals of all ages to make reading a priority in their lives.

Table of Contents

Importance of Reading Books Essay Writing Tips

1. Introduction: Start your essay by introducing the topic of the importance of reading books. You can mention how reading has been a fundamental part of human life for centuries and how it has shaped our society and culture.

2. Thesis Statement: Clearly state your main argument or point of view on the importance of reading books. This will guide the rest of your essay and help you stay focused on your main idea.

3. Benefits of Reading Books: Discuss the various benefits of reading books, such as improving cognitive skills, expanding vocabulary, enhancing critical thinking, and fostering empathy. You can also mention how reading can reduce stress, improve focus, and increase knowledge.

4. Education and Learning: Explain how reading books is essential for education and learning. Books are a valuable source of information and knowledge, and they can help students excel in their academic studies. Reading also promotes lifelong learning and personal growth.

5. Imagination and Creativity: Reading books can spark imagination and creativity in individuals. It allows readers to escape into different worlds, explore new ideas, and think outside the box. This can be particularly beneficial for children in developing their creativity and problem-solving skills.

6. Empathy and Understanding: Reading books can help readers develop empathy and understanding towards others. By reading about different cultures, experiences, and perspectives, readers can broaden their worldview and become more compassionate individuals.

7. Personal Development: Reading books can contribute to personal development and self-improvement. It can inspire readers to set goals, pursue their passions, and strive for success. Books can also provide guidance and motivation for overcoming challenges and obstacles in life.

8. Conclusion: Summarize your main points and restate the importance of reading books. Emphasize how reading is a valuable and enriching activity that can have a positive impact on individuals and society as a whole.

9. Editing and Proofreading: Before submitting your essay, make sure to edit and proofread it for any grammatical or spelling errors. Check for coherence and clarity in your arguments, and ensure that your essay flows smoothly from one point to the next.

10. References: If you have used any sources or references in your essay, make sure to cite them properly according to the required citation style. This will add credibility to your arguments and show that you have done thorough research on the topic.

Essay on Importance of Reading Books in 10 Lines – Examples

1. Reading books helps to improve vocabulary and language skills. 2. It enhances critical thinking and analytical skills. 3. Books provide knowledge and information on various subjects. 4. Reading helps to reduce stress and improve mental health. 5. It expands creativity and imagination. 6. Books offer different perspectives and viewpoints on life. 7. Reading improves focus and concentration. 8. It can inspire and motivate individuals to achieve their goals. 9. Books are a source of entertainment and can transport readers to different worlds. 10. Reading regularly can lead to personal growth and self-improvement.

Sample Essay on Importance of Reading Books in 100-180 Words

Reading books is essential for personal growth and development. It expands our knowledge, enhances our vocabulary, and improves our critical thinking skills. Books expose us to different perspectives and ideas, allowing us to broaden our understanding of the world around us.

Furthermore, reading books can also be a source of relaxation and stress relief. It provides an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in a different world or story.

In addition, reading books can also improve our empathy and emotional intelligence. By reading about different characters and their experiences, we can better understand and relate to others.

Overall, reading books is a valuable and enriching activity that should be a part of everyone’s daily routine. It not only enhances our intellect but also provides us with a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction. So, pick up a book today and start reaping the many benefits of reading.

Short Essay on Importance of Reading Books in 200-500 Words

Reading books is a fundamental aspect of personal growth and development. It is a valuable tool that can broaden our knowledge, stimulate our imagination, and enhance our critical thinking skills. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology dominates our lives, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated.

First and foremost, reading books allows us to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world around us. Books provide us with valuable information on a wide range of topics, from history and science to literature and philosophy. By reading books, we can gain insights into different cultures, perspectives, and ideas that we may not have encountered otherwise. This helps us to become more well-rounded individuals and better equipped to navigate the complexities of the world.

Furthermore, reading books is a great way to stimulate our imagination and creativity. Books have the power to transport us to different worlds, times, and realities, allowing us to escape from the stresses and pressures of everyday life. Through books, we can explore new ideas, concepts, and possibilities that can inspire us to think outside the box and come up with innovative solutions to problems.

In addition, reading books can improve our critical thinking skills and enhance our ability to analyze and evaluate information. Books challenge us to think critically about the content we are reading, to question assumptions, and to form our own opinions and perspectives. This is a crucial skill in today’s information age, where we are constantly bombarded with news, opinions, and advertisements that can be misleading or biased. By reading books, we can develop the ability to discern fact from fiction, truth from propaganda, and make informed decisions based on evidence and reason.

Moreover, reading books can have a positive impact on our mental health and well-being. Studies have shown that reading can reduce stress, improve concentration, and enhance cognitive function. By immersing ourselves in a good book, we can relax and unwind, allowing our minds to escape from the pressures of daily life and recharge our batteries. Reading can also be a form of self-care, providing us with a much-needed break from the constant demands of work, school, and social media.

In conclusion, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. Books have the power to educate, inspire, and entertain us, while also improving our critical thinking skills and mental well-being. In a world that is increasingly dominated by technology and instant gratification, reading books remains a timeless and invaluable pursuit that can enrich our lives in countless ways. So, pick up a book today and start reaping the many benefits that reading has to offer.

Essay on Importance of Reading Books in 1000-1500 Words

Reading books is one of the most important activities that individuals can engage in. It not only provides a source of entertainment and relaxation, but also offers numerous benefits for personal growth and development. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology dominates our lives, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. In this essay, we will explore the various reasons why reading books is crucial for individuals of all ages.

First and foremost, reading books is essential for expanding one’s knowledge and understanding of the world. Books cover a wide range of topics and genres, from history and science to literature and philosophy. By reading books, individuals can gain insights into different cultures, societies, and perspectives, which can help broaden their horizons and enhance their understanding of the world around them. Reading also helps individuals stay informed about current events and developments in various fields, allowing them to stay up-to-date and knowledgeable.

Furthermore, reading books is crucial for improving one’s vocabulary and language skills. Books are a rich source of language and words, and reading regularly can help individuals enhance their vocabulary, grammar, and writing skills. This is particularly important for students and professionals who need to communicate effectively in their academic and professional lives. Reading books can also improve one’s reading comprehension and critical thinking skills, as individuals are required to analyze and interpret the content of the books they read.

In addition to improving language skills, reading books can also enhance one’s cognitive abilities and mental health. Studies have shown that reading regularly can help improve memory, concentration, and focus, as well as reduce stress and anxiety. Reading books can also stimulate the brain and keep it active, which can help prevent cognitive decline and memory loss as individuals age. Furthermore, reading books can provide a form of escapism and relaxation, allowing individuals to unwind and de-stress after a long day.

Moreover, reading books can inspire and motivate individuals to pursue their goals and dreams. Books are a source of inspiration and creativity, and reading about the achievements and experiences of others can encourage individuals to strive for success in their own lives. Whether it is a self-help book that offers advice on personal growth and development, or a biography of a successful individual who overcame challenges to achieve their goals, books can provide valuable lessons and insights that can motivate individuals to take action and make positive changes in their lives.

Furthermore, reading books can help individuals develop empathy and compassion towards others. Books often explore complex themes and emotions, and reading about the experiences and struggles of fictional characters can help individuals understand and relate to the feelings and perspectives of others. This can help individuals develop a greater sense of empathy and compassion, which can improve their relationships with others and make them more understanding and tolerant individuals.

In addition to personal growth and development, reading books can also have a positive impact on society as a whole. Books have the power to educate, inform, and inspire individuals, and reading can help promote social change and progress. By reading books that address important social issues and challenges, individuals can become more aware of the world around them and take action to address these issues. Books can also help individuals develop a sense of social responsibility and civic engagement, encouraging them to become active and informed citizens who contribute positively to their communities.

In conclusion, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. Reading books is essential for expanding knowledge, improving language skills, enhancing cognitive abilities, and promoting personal growth and development. Books have the power to inspire, motivate, and educate individuals, and reading regularly can have a positive impact on both individuals and society as a whole. In today’s fast-paced world, where technology dominates our lives, it is more important than ever to prioritize reading books and make it a regular part of our daily routine. So, pick up a book today and start reaping the numerous benefits that reading has to offer.

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Essay on Benefits of Reading (1300 Words)

Reading helps our minds grow in ways that we can’t be taught in school or at home. No one is born with an innate love of reading, but everyone has the capacity for literacy, reading, and writing.

Essay on Benefits of Reading

1 – what is reading.

Reading is the act of decoding letters on a page to extract information. For many, reading has become an everyday activity.

For most people, it’s hard to imagine life without reading. However, not everyone can read. Around 15% of the world’s population has some form of learning disability that prevents them from being able to read. This means that they cannot interpret words and sentences on paper or digital screens.

Reading is good for the mind and body. Research shows that reading can reduce stress, improve sleep quality, promote empathy, and even increase lifespan by as much as two years!

2 – Importance of reading

The first thing to know about reading is that it’s not something that you should force your students to do. Reading should be something you engage them in, not something you force them to do.

Let them enjoy reading for what it is — something enjoyable and entertaining at the same time. Engaging students will help them get more out of reading and will set the stage for future academic success.

As an added bonus, you will both get more out of reading as a teacher and as a student. Empathy Reading opens up your mind to a whole new world. It can be uncomfortable at first, but remember to give them the tools to read the material. Not everyone is great at reading; let them know that you’re willing to help them along the way.

It’s important to read. It’s not some new-fangled, modern idea that everyone is championing, but rather a human instinct that has been with us since the beginning of time. Books are more than just storytellers — they offer understanding and insight into different cultures, languages, ages, genders, classes, ideologies.

3 – The benefits of reading

Reading is the best way to learn new things, broaden your knowledge, and find inspiration. It also stimulates your brain.

Reading can help you keep your mind sharp and be in control of it. Reading in different genres helps you develop different skills in different ways.

Reading opens up more doors than people may realize, so it should be a priority for everyone– whether you’re a preteen or an adult.

Reading helps people to become better thinkers and is the key to unlocking people’s minds.

4 – How to develop reading habit

Turn off all distractions when you’re reading, and find a comfortable spot to sit. Do you always have the TV on while you eat? Try turning off the TV, but continuing to watch it when you read.

Binge on your favorite authors. Choose a genre that you’re interested in and read everything written by that author. Then find another author and binge on their books as well. Go back to the beginning of that author’s series and read all of the books in that series.

Read also: How to avoid distractions while reading?

5 – Tips for Better Reading

Here are some tips for better reading:-

6 – How to read more

The first thing you can do is start reading more. Whether you want to read on an e-reader or a traditional book, the basic rules are the same:

Read also: Reading skills (types and strategies)

7 – Conclusion

Reading is something that everyone should do, so be sure to give it a try. There is no other form of education or experience that will give you more life knowledge than reading.

Essay On Importance Of Reading Books In 150 To 500 Words

Read an excellent essay on the topic “The Importance of Reading Books.” Below you can read a 150-to-500 word essay on the importance of reading books for all students and children.

I hope you will find this the best essay. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts as we have provided a comment section at the end of every page.

Table of Contents

Long & Short 150 To 500 Words Essay On Importance Of Reading Books

Reading book is a great habit . To be successful, you have to read a lot of books and novels. People who do not appreciate reading miss a lot in their lives. Reading opens a window of knowledge for people. Knowledge is power, and power can make you successful in facing this competitive world.

Reading makes you more creative, more innovative, and sharpens your brain. Knowledge makes you great. Reading books, newspapers, and novels will expand your vocabulary, which is very important for verbal communication with other people. So, if you want to be successful in life , start reading books and novels today.

It pays off in life. In today’s world, technology is changing rapidly. People are very busy with their daily routines at work, and no longer have time to read books and novels. However, reading books and novels will spare you the stress and boredom of your everyday life. It brings a lot of positive changes to your personality. That makes you very good. person.

If a person has a nice habit of reading, he can achieve a lot in his life. He can learn so much in his life from reading good passage and novels. A reader should have the ability to focus properly while reading books and novels.

When a person has improved their ability to concentrate, they can do their jobs effectively and efficiently. Reading brings you a lot of joy and satisfaction. After reading a beautiful book, you will find reassurance and satisfaction. It is an excellent habit to take books with you to read every day.

Reading can make you very successful in your life. Reading gives you moral support and enables you to come out of negative thoughts. It changes you, your personality, and your thinking.

It’s a great experience when you come across interesting novels. Everyone should have a reading habit because it changes their lives.

Your favorite book doesn’t need to be related to your job or your career. It can be related to anything else. It’s just because you have a keen interest in this topic and you can learn a lot from it.

Reading books and novels changes the way you think. It helps you make good life choices. It teaches you to stay positive

Reading books makes you great. It also encourages creative thinking. It helps develop your imagination and creative skills.

So, if you want to refer to someone as successful, intelligent, and great, name him/her as a reader. If you want to see the world differently with new eyes, read books.

When you’re tired after a hectic day at work or school, open your book and start reading.

When you indulge in your favorite books, the whole world changes around you.

Reading a good novel or book is a great experience. It brings a lot of peace and contentment to your life.

So what are you waiting for? Bring your favorite book or novel with you now.

Hello! Welcome to my Blog StudyParagraphs.co. My name is Angelina. I am a college professor. I love reading writing for kids students. This blog is full with valuable knowledge for all class students. Thank you for reading my articles.

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Benefits of Reading: Positive Impacts for All Ages Everyday

May 26, 2023

From apps to social media to Netflix to video games, there are so many ways to fill your free time that it can be hard to decide what to do. It’s also easy to overlook one of the most fulfilling and beneficial pastimes ever created. Let’s look at the main benefits of reading and how you can highlight them to your child.

What are the main benefits of reading books?

Benefits of reading before bed.

Benefits of reading to children

Benefits of reading out loud

Why is reading important.

Does listening to audiobooks have the same benefits?

What are the benefits of reading fiction?

What are the benefits of reading poetry, it’s a gym for your brain.

The act of reading is a remarkable mental feat and reading comprehension uses a lot of your brain power. When you’re thumbing through a novel you’re building a whole world of people, places and events in your mind and remembering it all as you follow the story. This gives your imagination and memory a thorough workout and strengthens networks in various other parts of your brain too. 💪

If you’re reading a non-fiction book you’re also getting an in-depth experience of a subject full of facts and details that you need to hold in your mind to follow the arguments of the writer.

It’s well known that your memory improves with use as new memories are created and connected to older ones, making them stronger and easier to recall. Scientists have even found that the other parts of the brain activated by reading can continue to improve days after you’ve stopped reading, meaning even just a little bit of reading can go a long way.

It improves your focus

From Insta stories to tweets to TikTok videos, information is being packaged into ever smaller chunks and researchers believe our attention spans are getting shorter. However, being able to concentrate on one thing for long periods and ignore distractions is essential for school and for work. Reading is an excellent way to improve your concentration skills and the more you read, the better you’ll be able to focus. 🔍

It expands your vocabulary

Reading expands your vocabulary more than any other activity. A rich vocabulary allows you to understand the world in a more sophisticated way. Reading is also great for your grammar skills and lets you communicate your thoughts and ideas more accurately in all areas of your life.

It’s an education

Reading is the key to knowledge. Reading non-fiction books means you can learn about any subject you choose in as much detail as you want. Fiction allows you to learn about how other people all over the world live their lives and to put yourself in their shoes. This is a great way to improve your empathy and learn to approach other people with an open mind.

It helps your problem-solving skills

Reading fiction is also fantastic preparation to learn how to solve various types of problems you may not yet have encountered in your own life. You get the chance to follow the characters through all kinds of situations and find out how they deal with challenges big and small.

Maybe they make the right choices or maybe they don’t, either way, the writer has put a lot of thought and consideration into their story and you can always learn something from a character’s experiences. 🧩

It’s good therapy

Reading about difficult situations characters or real people experience can be hugely beneficial as well. It can be useful to read both fiction and non-fiction books about something you’re going through. Books can act as a type of therapy and help you to feel less alone in your situation.

This bibliotherapy has proven effective in helping people deal with issues such as depression or other mood disorders. The NHS even prescribes books to help people through its Reading Well programme!

Books offer the best value-for-money entertainment anywhere! There’s no expensive equipment to buy, no tickets to pay for and no monthly subscription fee. All you need is a library card for your local branch and you’re good to go!

Your nearest library probably has tens of thousands of different books available, so you’re sure to find a title to hook you. If they don’t have something in particular you're looking for, you can even ask the librarian to order it from another library.

Some libraries even offer ebooks on loan which you can add to your ereader or tablet 🏛️

It’ll inspire your child

If your children regularly see you reading you’ll be setting a good example. Children tend to copy what they see their parents do and they’ll soon be joining you storybook in hand for some quiet time you can enjoy together.

It’s great for stress

It’s not most people’s first idea of a relaxation technique, but reading does an awesome job of helping you manage stress. According to research, reading can lead to a lower heart rate and blood pressure and a calmer mind and just six minutes of reading can bring your stress levels down by more than 66%.

It helps you live longer!

If you still need another reason to commit yourself to read more, how about this: reading can actually help you live longer! Researchers discovered that those who read for half an hour a day had a 23% chance of living longer than people who didn’t read very much. In fact, readers lived around two years longer than non-readers! 🌳

So, if we’ve convinced you that you and your family need more reading in your lives, when is the best time to do it? Well, reading at bedtime allows you to kill two birds with one stone.

It helps you get a good night’s sleep

Despite its importance, many of us don’t follow good sleep hygiene and spend the hours before bedtime staring at screens big and small, leading to difficulty falling asleep and affecting the quality of our slumber. The NHS found that one in three of us experience poor sleep.

Choose to read an actual book before bedtime instead of checking your social media or watching Netflix and you can look forward to a better night’s rest. Reading fiction is a good way of relaxing the body and calming your mind and preparing for bed and has been shown to be as relaxing as meditation. 💤

It calms your child

If you treat your child to story time and read to them just before they go to bed you’ll discover that it’s perfect for calming them down and getting them in the right mood for sleep. As a bonus, they’ll get used to sitting still and concentrating on one thing for a long time.

Benefits of reading to children

Children can eventually enjoy all the benefits of reading mentioned above but whether they are too small to read much themselves or they just enjoy listening to you tell them a story, they can get some extra value out of the experience if you read to them regularly yourself.

It gives them a love of learning

If you start by reading to your child you can get them hooked on books and start a habit that will last them throughout their lives and repay your investment over and over again. Children who learn to read for pleasure will go on to enjoy greater academic success throughout their education according to research. 👩🏽‍🎓

It gives them a head-start

Even if your little one is a toddler who isn’t ready to start reading storybooks by themselves, you can give their literacy skills an early boost and teach them to read by reading to them yourself. They might not understand everything but they’ll pick up enough to get the idea. Let them see the words on the page as you read and encourage them to turn the page when you get to the last word.

By reading to them you’ll be helping them follow the natural rhythms of language, practise their listening skills and expose them to vocabulary they might not get to hear in their day-to-day lives.

It brings you together

Time spent reading to your child is a wonderful chance to create some beautiful, cosy, loving memories together and strengthen your bond. It will become something like a regular adventure you and your child can look forward to doing together and will remember all your lives. 👩‍👦

It also gives you lots to talk about later and you can have enjoyable discussions about the characters, plots, dilemmas and mysteries you discover during your reading time.

Even when your child starts to read for themselves, you don’t need to stop your shared storytime. You can swap it up, with them taking on the role of the reader as you listen or you can take turns reading to each other.

You’ve probably been taught that the best method of reading is in silence. However, research has found that quiet reading isn’t actually always the better option and that there are in fact some benefits of reading out loud. 📢

It helps you understand

It turns out that speaking as you read can help you understand texts better. You probably read aloud more than you realise. If you’ve ever received a slightly convoluted message or email or you’ve tried to read confusing legal jargon, you’ve probably found yourself repeating the words out loud to more clearly understand what was meant. ✅

It helps you remember

Or perhaps you’ve tried to memorise a phone number or the lines of a speech and you automatically started to say the information aloud to help you remember.

Psychologists call this the “production effect” and have discovered that these tactics do actually help people remember things more easily, especially children. 📚

Research from Australia showed that children who were told to read out loud recognized 17% more words compared to children who were asked to read silently. In another study, adults were able to identify 20% more words they had read aloud.

The theory is that because reading aloud is an active process it makes words more distinctive, and so easier to remember. 🧠

Why read?

Reading is the most effective way to get information about almost everything and is the key ingredient in learning for school, work and pleasure. On top of this, reading boosts imagination, communication, memory, concentration, and empathy. It also lowers stress levels and leads to a longer life.

Does listening to audiobooks have the same benefits as reading books?

It can be hard to concentrate for a long time and the experience of reading. With a real book you can quickly scan your eyes back over the page to reread what you’ve missed, this isn’t so easy with an audiobook. A psychology study showed that students who read material did 28% better on a test than those who heard the same material as a podcast.

Reading fiction is a useful way to develop your empathy, social skills and emotional intelligence. Fictional stories allow you to put yourself in other people's shoes and see things from various perspectives. In fact, brain scans show that many of the parts of the brain you use to interact with other people are also activated when you’re reading fiction.

Poetry is the home of the most creative, imaginative and beautiful examples of language and allows you to connect those powerful lines to real emotions all of us feel. Poetry is also efficient and a good poet can reveal deep ideas with a simple phrase. Reading poetry can also inspire your creativity and write some expressive verse of your own!

Reading is something most of us have been doing all our lives and as a result, we can easily take it for granted, but it’s a great all-around experience for your mind and spirit. So, it's really worth digging out your library card and finding books you and your child can read together.

If your child is having problems with reading, here at GoStudent we have education experts on standby to give you and them a helping hand in improving their literacy skills or any other learning challenges they need support with. Schedule a free trial lesson with GoStudent today!

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Essay on Importance of Books

Students are often asked to write an essay on Importance of Books in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Importance of Books

Introduction.

Books are magical treasures that open up a world of knowledge. They play a vital role in our lives, shaping our thoughts and perspectives.

Source of Knowledge

Books provide a rich source of information, helping us to understand various subjects. They educate us and broaden our outlook.

Improves Creativity

Reading books sparks our imagination. It enhances creativity by presenting different scenarios and ideas.

Enhances Language Skills

Books are excellent tools to improve our language skills. They introduce us to new words and phrases.

In conclusion, books are our best friends. They enlighten us and enrich our minds.

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250 Words Essay on Importance of Books

The quintessence of books.

Books have been an integral part of human civilization, serving as repositories of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. They have the power to transport us to different realms, stimulate our imagination, and broaden our understanding of the world.

Books as a Portal to Knowledge

Books are a treasure trove of knowledge, covering a plethora of subjects from science to philosophy, history to art. They offer us insights into different cultures, traditions, and perspectives, fostering empathy and cross-cultural understanding. They are the stepping stones to intellectual growth, encouraging critical thinking and informed decision-making.

Books and Emotional Intelligence

Literature, in particular, plays a pivotal role in enhancing emotional intelligence. Characters’ experiences, emotions, and conflicts provide readers with a nuanced understanding of human behavior and emotions. This can foster empathy, compassion, and emotional resilience, essential traits in our increasingly interconnected world.

Books as a Catalyst for Creativity

Books stimulate our imagination, pushing the boundaries of our thoughts and ideas. They inspire us to dream, innovate, and create, acting as a catalyst for creativity. They are a source of inspiration for artists, writers, filmmakers, and innovators, shaping our cultural and artistic landscapes.

In conclusion, books are more than just a collection of printed pages. They are a beacon of knowledge, a conduit for emotional growth, and a springboard for creativity. In our digital age, their importance should not be underestimated. They are the bedrock of an enlightened and progressive society.

500 Words Essay on Importance of Books

Books have been a crucial part of human civilization, acting as repositories of knowledge, wisdom, and creativity. They have shaped societies, sparked revolutions, and influenced the course of history. Despite the digital revolution, the importance of books remains unassailable. This essay elucidates the significance of books in our lives and society.

Books as a Source of Knowledge

Books are a treasure trove of knowledge. They provide unparalleled access to a range of subjects, allowing readers to delve into the depths of science, explore the realms of philosophy, or traverse the landscapes of literature. They encapsulate the intellectual evolution of humanity, preserving the thoughts, discoveries, and innovations of brilliant minds. Reading books fosters intellectual growth, stimulates critical thinking, and enhances our understanding of the world.

Books and Personal Development

Books play a pivotal role in personal development. They introduce us to diverse perspectives, helping us to broaden our horizons and cultivate empathy. The narratives and characters we encounter in books often mirror our own experiences, thereby enabling us to navigate our emotions, understand our identities, and cope with life’s challenges. Furthermore, reading books can improve our cognitive abilities, such as memory, focus, and analytical skills.

Cultural Preservation and Communication

Books and creativity.

Books stimulate creativity by inviting us to engage with imaginative worlds, complex plots, and nuanced characters. They encourage us to envision alternatives, question established norms, and think outside the box. Reading literature can particularly enhance creative writing skills, as it exposes us to various writing styles, narrative structures, and literary techniques.

In conclusion, the importance of books cannot be overstated. They are not merely static objects, but dynamic entities that engage us in a transformative process of learning, reflection, and personal growth. They are our guides to the past, mirrors to the present, and windows to the future. Despite the advent of digital media, the tactile experience of flipping through the pages of a book and the intellectual satisfaction it provides are irreplaceable. Therefore, in an increasingly digitized world, let us continue to cherish the enduring value of books.

If you’re looking for more, here are essays on other interesting topics:

Apart from these, you can look at all the essays by clicking here .

The Lifelong Benefits of Reading: How Books Can Transform Your Life

Discover the transformative power of books and unlock a world of lifelong benefits through reading.

In today’s fast-paced digital age, where information is readily available at our fingertips, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact that reading can have on our lives. But beneath the surface lies a treasure trove of wisdom, knowledge, and personal growth waiting to be unraveled.

From broadening our horizons and enhancing our empathy to improving our cognitive abilities and reducing stress, books have the remarkable ability to shape and transform us. In this article, we will delve into the countless ways in which reading can enrich our lives, offering a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy nook, and embark on a journey that will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the power of the written word. Whether you’re a devoted bookworm or someone who has yet to discover the joys of reading, prepare to be inspired by the lifelong benefits that await you on this literary adventure.

The Power of Reading

Reading is more than just a pleasurable pastime; it is a gateway to personal growth and transformation. When we dive into a compelling story or immerse ourselves in a thought-provoking non-fiction book, we open ourselves up to new ideas and perspectives. Books have the power to challenge our preconceived notions and expand our understanding of the world.

Reading also enhances our cognitive abilities. It improves our vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. As we engage with the written word, our brains are stimulated, creating new neural connections and improving our overall mental agility.

But reading is not just about intellectual growth. It has a profound impact on our emotional well-being as well. Whether it’s losing ourselves in a fictional world or finding solace in a self-help book, reading provides an escape from the pressures of everyday life. It allows us to explore our own emotions and connect with the experiences of others, fostering empathy and compassion.

Mental Benefits of Reading

The mental benefits of reading are manifold. Research has shown that reading regularly can improve our memory and concentration. When we read, we are required to focus our attention and retain information, exercising our brain in the process. This mental workout not only improves our ability to recall information but also enhances our concentration and attention span in other areas of life.

Furthermore, reading has been linked to a reduced risk of cognitive decline and dementia. By regularly engaging our brains through reading, we can help keep our minds sharp and agile as we age. It’s like a workout for the brain, keeping it in top shape and staving off the effects of aging.

In addition to improving memory and cognitive function, reading can also enhance our problem-solving skills. As we encounter different scenarios and challenges in books, we are exposed to various ways of thinking and problem-solving. This exposure broadens our mental toolkit, allowing us to approach real-life problems with a fresh perspective and a wider range of strategies.

Emotional Benefits of Reading

Reading has a profound impact on our emotional well-being. It provides an escape from the stresses of everyday life, allowing us to immerse ourselves in different worlds and experiences. Whether we’re laughing out loud at a humorous novel or shedding tears over a heart-wrenching story, books evoke a wide range of emotions that allow us to connect with our own feelings.

Moreover, reading can increase our empathy and understanding of others. When we read about characters from different backgrounds or with different perspectives, we gain insight into their lives and experiences. This exposure to diverse narratives helps us develop a broader worldview and fosters empathy towards others, ultimately making us more compassionate individuals.

Reading can also be therapeutic. It can provide solace during difficult times and offer a sense of comfort and understanding when we feel alone. Books have the power to validate our emotions and provide us with the tools to navigate challenging situations. They can serve as a form of self-help, guiding us towards personal growth and healing.

Physical Benefits of Reading

While reading is often associated with mental and emotional benefits, it also has positive effects on our physical well-being. One of the most notable physical benefits is stress reduction. Reading has been shown to lower heart rate and reduce stress levels, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. By immersing ourselves in a good book, we can escape from the demands of daily life and find respite from the pressures that weigh us down.

Furthermore, reading can improve sleep quality. Engaging in a quiet activity like reading before bed can help signal to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. By creating a bedtime routine that includes reading, we can promote better sleep hygiene and ensure a more restful night’s sleep.

Additionally, reading can have a positive impact on our overall brain health. Studies have shown that reading can improve brain connectivity and increase neural activity. This stimulation of the brain can help ward off cognitive decline and improve cognitive function, leading to better overall brain health.

Social Benefits of Reading

Reading is often seen as a solitary activity, but it can also have social benefits. When we read a book, it opens up opportunities for conversation and connection with others. Book clubs, discussion groups, and literary events provide spaces for like-minded individuals to come together and share their thoughts and experiences.

Reading can also foster a sense of community. When we engage with a popular book or series, we become part of a larger cultural conversation. We can connect with others who have shared similar reading experiences and engage in discussions about the themes and ideas presented in the books. This shared connection can create a sense of belonging and camaraderie.

Furthermore, reading can improve our communication skills. As we encounter different writing styles and perspectives in books, we develop a greater appreciation for language and storytelling. This exposure to diverse narratives can enhance our own writing and communication abilities, allowing us to express ourselves more effectively and connect with others on a deeper level.

The Impact of Reading on Personal Growth and Development

Reading is a powerful tool for personal growth and development. It provides us with a wealth of knowledge and insights that can help us navigate the complexities of life. Whether we’re seeking advice on relationships , career guidance, or personal development, books offer a vast array of resources and perspectives to draw from.

One of the key ways in which reading promotes personal growth is by expanding our knowledge and perspective. By exposing ourselves to different ideas, cultures, and experiences through books, we broaden our understanding of the world and challenge our own beliefs and assumptions. This expansion of knowledge can lead to personal transformation and a greater sense of empathy and understanding towards others.

Furthermore, reading enhances our creativity and imagination. When we read, we are transported to different worlds and introduced to unique characters and situations. This exposure to new ideas and perspectives stimulates our own creativity and imagination, allowing us to think outside the box and approach problems with a fresh perspective.

Reading also offers us the opportunity for introspection and self-reflection. Through the experiences of characters in books, we can gain insight into our own emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. This self-awareness can lead to personal growth and self-improvement as we identify areas for development and work towards becoming the best version of ourselves.

How Reading Can Improve Creativity and Imagination

Reading is a wellspring of inspiration for creativity and imagination. When we engage with books, we are exposed to different writing styles, storytelling techniques, and imaginative worlds. This exposure helps us think creatively and generate new ideas in various aspects of our lives.

By immersing ourselves in the worlds created by authors, we can expand our own imagination. Books allow us to visualize characters, settings, and events, fostering our ability to create vivid mental images. This enhanced imagination can be beneficial in many areas, such as problem-solving, brainstorming, and artistic endeavors.

Moreover, reading exposes us to different perspectives and ways of thinking, which can fuel our creative thinking. By encountering diverse narratives and exploring different points of view, we challenge our own assumptions and expand our thinking beyond conventional boundaries. This exposure to new ideas can inspire us to approach problems and projects in innovative ways.

Reading can also help us develop our own writing and storytelling skills. As we engage with well-crafted narratives, we subconsciously absorb writing techniques and storytelling structures. This exposure to quality writing can enhance our own writing abilities, allowing us to communicate more effectively and captivate our audience.

Reading as a Form of Relaxation and Stress Relief

In our fast-paced and digitally connected world, finding moments of relaxation and calm can be challenging. Reading offers a respite from the demands of daily life and provides a much-needed escape from the constant stream of information and stimuli.

When we immerse ourselves in a good book, our minds are transported to a different world. The act of reading requires focus and concentration, allowing us to temporarily disconnect from our worries and concerns. This focused immersion in a captivating story or subject matter helps us relax and unwind, promoting a sense of calm and tranquility.

Moreover, reading has been shown to lower heart rate and reduce stress levels. The rhythmic nature of reading, combined with the engagement of the mind, creates a soothing effect on the body. As we become absorbed in a book, our breathing slows, and our heart rate decreases, promoting a state of relaxation and stress relief.

Additionally, reading before bed can improve sleep quality. Engaging in a quiet and calming activity like reading helps signal to our bodies that it’s time to wind down and prepare for sleep. By incorporating reading into our bedtime routine, we can promote better sleep hygiene and ensure a more restful night’s sleep.

How to Develop a Reading Habit

Developing a reading habit is a journey that requires commitment and intention. Here are some tips to help you cultivate a love for reading and make it a regular part of your life:

Set aside dedicated time for reading: Carve out specific time slots in your day for reading. It could be a few minutes in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Consistency is key, so aim to read at the same time each day.
Create a cozy reading environment: Find a comfortable spot in your home where you can relax and focus on your reading. Set the mood with soft lighting, a cozy blanket, and a cup of tea or coffee.
Start with books that interest you: Choose books that align with your interests and passions. If you’re not sure where to start, ask for recommendations from friends, join a book club, or explore different genres to discover what resonates with you.
Set realistic reading goals: Set achievable reading goals for yourself, such as reading a certain number of pages or chapters each day. This will help you stay motivated and track your progress.
Limit distractions: Minimize distractions during your reading time by turning off your phone or putting it on silent mode. Create a quiet and focused environment that allows you to fully immerse yourself in the book.
Join a reading community: Engage with others who share your love for reading by joining online book clubs or discussion groups. This will provide opportunities for meaningful conversations and recommendations for new books to explore.
Keep a reading journal: Record your thoughts, reflections, and favorite quotes in a reading journal. This can enhance your reading experience and serve as a valuable resource for future reference. Remember, developing a reading habit takes time and patience. Be gentle with yourself and enjoy the process of discovering new worlds and ideas through books.

Choosing the Right Books for Personal Growth and Transformation

Choosing the right books for personal growth and transformation requires thoughtful consideration. Here are some factors to consider when selecting books that will enrich your life:

Reflect on your goals and interests: Consider what areas of personal growth you would like to focus on and choose books that align with those goals. Whether it’s self-help, spirituality, or professional development, there are books available to support your journey.
Read reviews and recommendations: Research books that have received positive reviews and recommendations from trusted sources. Look for books that have resonated with others and have a track record of inspiring personal growth and transformation.
Explore different genres and perspectives: Step out of your comfort zone and explore genres and perspectives that are new to you. By exposing yourself to diverse narratives, you expand your understanding of the world and gain fresh insights.
Consider the author’s credentials and expertise: Look into the author’s background and expertise to ensure they have the necessary knowledge and experience to guide you on your personal growth journey. Check for credentials, reviews, and recommendations before committing to a book.
Trust your intuition: Pay attention to your gut instinct when choosing books. If a particular title or synopsis resonates with you, trust that it may hold valuable insights and lessons for your personal growth.

Remember that personal growth is a lifelong journey, and the books you choose to read are a reflection of that journey. Be open to exploring new ideas and perspectives, and allow yourself to be transformed by the power of the written word.

Related: Reading These 9 Books Will Change Your Life

Incorporating Reading into Your Daily Routine

Incorporating reading into your daily routine is a surefire way to make it a regular habit. Here are some practical tips to help you make reading a part of your everyday life:

Set a reading goal: Determine how much time you want to dedicate to reading each day. It could be as little as 10 minutes or as much as an hour. Set a realistic goal that you can commit to consistently.
Create a reading schedule: Find a time in your daily schedule that works best for you. It could be in the morning, during your lunch break, or before bed. Establish a routine by consistently reading at the same time each day.
Keep a book with you at all times: Carry a book with you wherever you go, whether it’s a physical book or an e-reader. This way, you can take advantage of any free moments throughout the day, such as waiting in line or during your commute.
Make reading a priority: Treat reading as a non-negotiable part of your day. Prioritize it over other activities that may be less fulfilling or productive. By giving reading the importance it deserves, you’ll make it a priority in your life.
Create a cozy reading environment: Designate a specific reading spot in your home where you can relax and focus on your book. Make it cozy and inviting with cushions, blankets, and soft lighting.
Minimize distractions: Create a distraction-free environment by turning off your phone or putting it on silent mode. This will help you stay focused and fully immerse yourself in the book.
Keep a reading log: Keep track of the books you’ve read, along with any thoughts, reflections, or favorite quotes. This will not only serve as a record of your reading journey but also provide valuable insights for future reference.

Remember, consistency is key when it comes to developing a reading habit. By incorporating reading into your daily routine, you’ll be able to enjoy the lifelong benefits that books have to offer.

Ever read 4 books in a day?

Although reading is one of the most beneficial things that you can do for your mind, most people just can’t find the time in their days.

It can be difficult to read 500 pages a day like Warren Buffet or read 50 books a year like Bill Gates and with our daily routines and demanding day jobs, this may just not be possible.

We are here to bridge the gap!

With the Snapreads app, you get the key insights from the best nonfiction books in minutes, not hours or days. Our experts transform these books into quick, memorable, easy-to-understand insights that you can read on your time or listen on the go.

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With the Snapreads app, you get the key insights from the best nonfiction books in minutes, not hours or days. Our experts transform these books into quick, memorable, easy-to-understand insights you can read when you have the time or listen to them on the go.

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Home — Essay Samples — Life — Reading Books — My Personal Passion: Favorite Books & Authors

Why I Like Reading Books: a Narrative

Categories: Reading Books

About this sample

Words: 1014 |

Published: Mar 14, 2019

Words: 1014 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

Why i like reading (essay), my favorite type of books, works cited.

Coleridge, S. T. (1817). Biographia Literaria: Or Biographical Sketches of My Literary Life and Opinions. Restless Books.
Lawrence, D. H. (2000). Lady Chatterley's Lover. Wordsworth Editions.
Maas, S. J. (2012). Throne of Glass. Bloomsbury Publishing.
Orwell, G. (1949). 1984. Secker & Warburg.
Shakespeare, W. (2008). The Merchant's Tale. In The Canterbury Tales (2nd ed., pp. 121-134). Penguin Classics.
Stowe, H. B. (1852). Uncle Tom's Cabin. J. P. Jewett and Company.
Tolkein, J. R. R. (2012). The Lord of the Rings. HarperCollins.
Tonnard, M., & Van Kesteren, E. (2007). Reading Ed Ruscha: Novels. Ludion.
Wells, H. G. (1932). Brave New World. Chatto & Windus.
Wood, J. (2014). The Theatre of Absurd. Bloomsbury Publishing.

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Essay on Importance of Reading Books 150 Words

Books have been our companions for centuries, offering knowledge, entertainment, and a window to different worlds. In this essay, I will argue that reading books is of the utmost importance. It is not just a pastime but a valuable source of information, a means of expanding our horizons, and a tool for developing crucial skills.

Knowledge and Learning

Reading books is one of the most effective ways to acquire knowledge. According to research by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, reading boosts vocabulary, comprehension, and critical thinking skills. Books cover a vast array of subjects, from history to science to literature. When we read, we learn about the world and discover new ideas. Books are like treasure troves of wisdom, waiting to be explored.

Vocabulary Enhancement

Reading enhances our vocabulary. A study published in the Journal of Educational Psychology found that regular readers have larger vocabularies and better language skills. When we encounter new words in books, we expand our linguistic abilities. This improved vocabulary not only helps us communicate more effectively but also boosts our confidence in writing and speaking.

Imagination and Creativity

Books stimulate our imagination and creativity. Unlike movies or video games, where everything is presented visually, books invite us to envision the story and characters in our minds. This imaginative exercise strengthens our creative thinking. A study in the journal “Psychology of Aesthetics, Creativity, and the Arts” suggests that reading fiction can enhance creative problem-solving skills.

In conclusion, the importance of reading books cannot be overstated. Books are portals to knowledge, language enrichment, and creative worlds. They nurture empathy, improve understanding, and foster a love for lifelong learning. Reading books sharpens our concentration, reduces stress, and enhances our overall well-being.

Also Check: The Essay on Essay: All you need to know

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✍️Essay On Books: Free Samples for Students

Updated on
Nov 2, 2023

Books are considered human’s best friend. It has been an integral part of human society for ages and will continue to be a crucial part of human life. There are several categories of books, that offer us knowledge about specific fields. Words written in books serve as a source of knowledge, information, and entertainment , which are necessary for skill enhancement and polishing the language. Books are written in every language to fulfill the needs of people living in every region from villages to abroad. In this blog, you will get to know how to write an essay on books and we have also provided some sample essays on books for you. Keep Reading!

Table of Contents

1 Short Essay on Books
2 Essay on Books in 150 Words
3.1 Different Genres of Books
3.2 Benefits of Reading Books

Also Read: 15 Best-Selling Books of All Times

Short Essay on Books

Books are pages filled with ideas, thoughts, stories, imagination, and knowledge. Even after extreme advancements in technology , books continue to be cherished by humans. The reason behind that is the convenience and their appeal.

Given below are some short sample essays on books that will help school-going children and students:

Essay on Books in 150 Words

Books are considered true friends of humans, as they can teach us life lessons. Books are the repositories that impart wisdom and knowledge. From ancient times to today’s digital world, books have served as a source of inspiration, expanding the thought process and imparting education.

In schools, they teach us how reading books can shape our future and when a person grows, the impact of his learning through books is reflected in his lifestyle. In an era of mobile phones, smartphones, television, and laptops, we all still trust books. Books provide deep knowledge about any specific subject without any modifications.

Books possess the ability to ignite your imagination and take you to a completely different world. Some readers value books as humans, some highlight the important parts, some readers make collections of limited editions of books, and some even cherish the smell of old books. The cover and physical appearance of the books on the bookshelf reflect comfort.

Thus, books play an important role in everyone’s life. Nowadays movies are also directed based on famous books.

Essay on Books in 300 words

Books help mankind to evolve mentally. The thoughts of a person reflect his/her personality and the thoughts are developed based on your learning in life. As mitochondria are the powerhouse of the cell, books are considered the powerhouse of knowledge and information. The vintage look of the book adds charm to its appearance and such books attract the reader. Holding a book in hand, flipping pages while reading, using beautiful bookmarks in the book, and sensing the texture of pages can deeply imply a sensory effect on the readers.

Different Genres of Books

A book reader can enjoy a variety of genres of books. In spite of technological advancements in human life, thousands of books are released in the market. The budding writers also publish their books as they know the fact that good readers still prefer to read from books. If you do not want to purchase the hard copy of the book then, you can go for the online version.

Following are some of the genres of books:

Travel books- Such books tell the story and experience of travellers.
Motivational books- Like “Atomic Habits” are used to inspire and motivate people to adopt good habits in life.
Fictional books- Like “As You Like It” that represent literary fiction and play.
Novel- it comes under the most read books by the reader. Novels are the long work of narrative fiction framed in prose.

Benefits of Reading Books

There are many benefits of reading books. Books help to increase our vocabulary and enhance our knowledge of a variety of subjects. They also serve as a good source of entertainment during free time. It boosts the ability of the reader to think creatively. They help in improving the fluency and enhance the communication skills . Books are a great source of knowledge it would help us in public speaking , debates, quizzes, examinations, etc.

Kajal Thareja

Hi, I am Kajal, a pharmacy graduate, currently pursuing management and is an experienced content writer. I have 2-years of writing experience in Ed-tech (digital marketing) company. I am passionate towards writing blogs and am on the path of discovering true potential professionally in the field of content marketing. I am engaged in writing creative content for students which is simple yet creative and engaging and leaves an impact on the reader's mind.

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Short Essay on Importance of Reading Books

Read this article to know about the value and importance of reading books.

Importance of Reading Books

A person can always avoid such company by indulging in other activities such as keeping company with those who have a positive approach to life as well as a constructive and creative mind.

A person who intends to read should try to pick good books because life is busy and time is scarce. We cannot afford to spend time reading all sorts of books. A thinker says. “ Life is short…too short to everything. Choose, you must. Choose only the best friends and in books!”

Books are real treasures and everyone should look for these. When a person opens books, he finds treasures of goodness and wisdom which spring out from its pages along with good pieces of advice, sound teaching, counsels and truths.

Good books are the light house that enlightens our minds, families, schools and societies. They educate hearts, improve characters, console and delight us.

Reading books is a source to beat boredom and defeat loneliness. It is also a source to resume day with new vigour and enthusiasm. For the sound body, a nourished mind is important and for a nourished mind, book reading it important.

People from all walks of life should read because it has great importance, especially for people like politicians, instructors and teachers. If they develop the habit of reading, they can prove themselves as the master of their fields and secure the best place in practical life!

The 10 Best Essay Collections of the Decade

Ever tried. ever failed. no matter..

Friends, it’s true: the end of the decade approaches. It’s been a difficult, anxiety-provoking, morally compromised decade, but at least it’s been populated by some damn fine literature. We’ll take our silver linings where we can.

So, as is our hallowed duty as a literary and culture website—though with full awareness of the potentially fruitless and endlessly contestable nature of the task—in the coming weeks, we’ll be taking a look at the best and most important (these being not always the same) books of the decade that was. We will do this, of course, by means of a variety of lists. We began with the best debut novels , the best short story collections , the best poetry collections , and the best memoirs of the decade , and we have now reached the fifth list in our series: the best essay collections published in English between 2010 and 2019.

The following books were chosen after much debate (and several rounds of voting) by the Literary Hub staff. Tears were spilled, feelings were hurt, books were re-read. And as you’ll shortly see, we had a hard time choosing just ten—so we’ve also included a list of dissenting opinions, and an even longer list of also-rans. As ever, free to add any of your own favorites that we’ve missed in the comments below.

The Top Ten

Oliver sacks, the mind’s eye (2010).

Toward the end of his life, maybe suspecting or sensing that it was coming to a close, Dr. Oliver Sacks tended to focus his efforts on sweeping intellectual projects like On the Move (a memoir), The River of Consciousness (a hybrid intellectual history), and Hallucinations (a book-length meditation on, what else, hallucinations). But in 2010, he gave us one more classic in the style that first made him famous, a form he revolutionized and brought into the contemporary literary canon: the medical case study as essay. In The Mind’s Eye , Sacks focuses on vision, expanding the notion to embrace not only how we see the world, but also how we map that world onto our brains when our eyes are closed and we’re communing with the deeper recesses of consciousness. Relaying histories of patients and public figures, as well as his own history of ocular cancer (the condition that would eventually spread and contribute to his death), Sacks uses vision as a lens through which to see all of what makes us human, what binds us together, and what keeps us painfully apart. The essays that make up this collection are quintessential Sacks: sensitive, searching, with an expertise that conveys scientific information and experimentation in terms we can not only comprehend, but which also expand how we see life carrying on around us. The case studies of “Stereo Sue,” of the concert pianist Lillian Kalir, and of Howard, the mystery novelist who can no longer read, are highlights of the collection, but each essay is a kind of gem, mined and polished by one of the great storytellers of our era. –Dwyer Murphy, CrimeReads Managing Editor

John Jeremiah Sullivan, Pulphead (2011)

The American essay was having a moment at the beginning of the decade, and Pulphead was smack in the middle. Without any hard data, I can tell you that this collection of John Jeremiah Sullivan’s magazine features—published primarily in GQ , but also in The Paris Review , and Harper’s —was the only full book of essays most of my literary friends had read since Slouching Towards Bethlehem , and probably one of the only full books of essays they had even heard of.

Well, we all picked a good one. Every essay in Pulphead is brilliant and entertaining, and illuminates some small corner of the American experience—even if it’s just one house, with Sullivan and an aging writer inside (“Mr. Lytle” is in fact a standout in a collection with no filler; fittingly, it won a National Magazine Award and a Pushcart Prize). But what are they about? Oh, Axl Rose, Christian Rock festivals, living around the filming of One Tree Hill , the Tea Party movement, Michael Jackson, Bunny Wailer, the influence of animals, and by god, the Miz (of Real World/Road Rules Challenge fame).

But as Dan Kois has pointed out , what connects these essays, apart from their general tone and excellence, is “their author’s essential curiosity about the world, his eye for the perfect detail, and his great good humor in revealing both his subjects’ and his own foibles.” They are also extremely well written, drawing much from fictional techniques and sentence craft, their literary pleasures so acute and remarkable that James Wood began his review of the collection in The New Yorker with a quiz: “Are the following sentences the beginnings of essays or of short stories?” (It was not a hard quiz, considering the context.)

It’s hard not to feel, reading this collection, like someone reached into your brain, took out the half-baked stuff you talk about with your friends, researched it, lived it, and represented it to you smarter and better and more thoroughly than you ever could. So read it in awe if you must, but read it. –Emily Temple, Senior Editor

Aleksandar Hemon, The Book of My Lives (2013)

Such is the sentence-level virtuosity of Aleksandar Hemon—the Bosnian-American writer, essayist, and critic—that throughout his career he has frequently been compared to the granddaddy of borrowed language prose stylists: Vladimir Nabokov. While it is, of course, objectively remarkable that anyone could write so beautifully in a language they learned in their twenties, what I admire most about Hemon’s work is the way in which he infuses every essay and story and novel with both a deep humanity and a controlled (but never subdued) fury. He can also be damn funny. Hemon grew up in Sarajevo and left in 1992 to study in Chicago, where he almost immediately found himself stranded, forced to watch from afar as his beloved home city was subjected to a relentless four-year bombardment, the longest siege of a capital in the history of modern warfare. This extraordinary memoir-in-essays is many things: it’s a love letter to both the family that raised him and the family he built in exile; it’s a rich, joyous, and complex portrait of a place the 90s made synonymous with war and devastation; and it’s an elegy for the wrenching loss of precious things. There’s an essay about coming of age in Sarajevo and another about why he can’t bring himself to leave Chicago. There are stories about relationships forged and maintained on the soccer pitch or over the chessboard, and stories about neighbors and mentors turned monstrous by ethnic prejudice. As a chorus they sing with insight, wry humor, and unimaginable sorrow. I am not exaggerating when I say that the collection’s devastating final piece, “The Aquarium”—which details his infant daughter’s brain tumor and the agonizing months which led up to her death—remains the most painful essay I have ever read. –Dan Sheehan, Book Marks Editor

Robin Wall Kimmerer, Braiding Sweetgrass (2013)

Of every essay in my relentlessly earmarked copy of Braiding Sweetgrass , Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer’s gorgeously rendered argument for why and how we should keep going, there’s one that especially hits home: her account of professor-turned-forester Franz Dolp. When Dolp, several decades ago, revisited the farm that he had once shared with his ex-wife, he found a scene of destruction: The farm’s new owners had razed the land where he had tried to build a life. “I sat among the stumps and the swirling red dust and I cried,” he wrote in his journal.

So many in my generation (and younger) feel this kind of helplessness–and considerable rage–at finding ourselves newly adult in a world where those in power seem determined to abandon or destroy everything that human bodies have always needed to survive: air, water, land. Asking any single book to speak to this helplessness feels unfair, somehow; yet, Braiding Sweetgrass does, by weaving descriptions of indigenous tradition with the environmental sciences in order to show what survival has looked like over the course of many millennia. Kimmerer’s essays describe her personal experience as a Potawotami woman, plant ecologist, and teacher alongside stories of the many ways that humans have lived in relationship to other species. Whether describing Dolp’s work–he left the stumps for a life of forest restoration on the Oregon coast–or the work of others in maple sugar harvesting, creating black ash baskets, or planting a Three Sisters garden of corn, beans, and squash, she brings hope. “In ripe ears and swelling fruit, they counsel us that all gifts are multiplied in relationship,” she writes of the Three Sisters, which all sustain one another as they grow. “This is how the world keeps going.” –Corinne Segal, Senior Editor

Hilton Als, White Girls (2013)

In a world where we are so often reduced to one essential self, Hilton Als’ breathtaking book of critical essays, White Girls , which meditates on the ways he and other subjects read, project and absorb parts of white femininity, is a radically liberating book. It’s one of the only works of critical thinking that doesn’t ask the reader, its author or anyone he writes about to stoop before the doorframe of complete legibility before entering. Something he also permitted the subjects and readers of his first book, the glorious book-length essay, The Women , a series of riffs and psychological portraits of Dorothy Dean, Owen Dodson, and the author’s own mother, among others. One of the shifts of that book, uncommon at the time, was how it acknowledges the way we inhabit bodies made up of variously gendered influences. To read White Girls now is to experience the utter freedom of this gift and to marvel at Als’ tremendous versatility and intelligence.

He is easily the most diversely talented American critic alive. He can write into genres like pop music and film where being part of an audience is a fantasy happening in the dark. He’s also wired enough to know how the art world builds reputations on the nod of rich white patrons, a significant collision in a time when Jean-Michel Basquiat is America’s most expensive modern artist. Als’ swerving and always moving grip on performance means he’s especially good on describing the effect of art which is volatile and unstable and built on the mingling of made-up concepts and the hard fact of their effect on behavior, such as race. Writing on Flannery O’Connor for instance he alone puts a finger on her “uneasy and unavoidable union between black and white, the sacred and the profane, the shit and the stars.” From Eminem to Richard Pryor, André Leon Talley to Michael Jackson, Als enters the life and work of numerous artists here who turn the fascinations of race and with whiteness into fury and song and describes the complexity of their beauty like his life depended upon it. There are also brief memoirs here that will stop your heart. This is an essential work to understanding American culture. –John Freeman, Executive Editor

Eula Biss, On Immunity (2014)

We move through the world as if we can protect ourselves from its myriad dangers, exercising what little agency we have in an effort to keep at bay those fears that gather at the edges of any given life: of loss, illness, disaster, death. It is these fears—amplified by the birth of her first child—that Eula Biss confronts in her essential 2014 essay collection, On Immunity . As any great essayist does, Biss moves outward in concentric circles from her own very private view of the world to reveal wider truths, discovering as she does a culture consumed by anxiety at the pervasive toxicity of contemporary life. As Biss interrogates this culture—of privilege, of whiteness—she interrogates herself, questioning the flimsy ways in which we arm ourselves with science or superstition against the impurities of daily existence.

Five years on from its publication, it is dismaying that On Immunity feels as urgent (and necessary) a defense of basic science as ever. Vaccination, we learn, is derived from vacca —for cow—after the 17th-century discovery that a small application of cowpox was often enough to inoculate against the scourge of smallpox, an etymological digression that belies modern conspiratorial fears of Big Pharma and its vaccination agenda. But Biss never scolds or belittles the fears of others, and in her generosity and openness pulls off a neat (and important) trick: insofar as we are of the very world we fear, she seems to be suggesting, we ourselves are impure, have always been so, permeable, vulnerable, yet so much stronger than we think. –Jonny Diamond, Editor-in-Chief

Rebecca Solnit, The Mother of All Questions (2016)

When Rebecca Solnit’s essay, “Men Explain Things to Me,” was published in 2008, it quickly became a cultural phenomenon unlike almost any other in recent memory, assigning language to a behavior that almost every woman has witnessed—mansplaining—and, in the course of identifying that behavior, spurring a movement, online and offline, to share the ways in which patriarchal arrogance has intersected all our lives. (It would also come to be the titular essay in her collection published in 2014.) The Mother of All Questions follows up on that work and takes it further in order to examine the nature of self-expression—who is afforded it and denied it, what institutions have been put in place to limit it, and what happens when it is employed by women. Solnit has a singular gift for describing and decoding the misogynistic dynamics that govern the world so universally that they can seem invisible and the gendered violence that is so common as to seem unremarkable; this naming is powerful, and it opens space for sharing the stories that shape our lives.

The Mother of All Questions, comprised of essays written between 2014 and 2016, in many ways armed us with some of the tools necessary to survive the gaslighting of the Trump years, in which many of us—and especially women—have continued to hear from those in power that the things we see and hear do not exist and never existed. Solnit also acknowledges that labels like “woman,” and other gendered labels, are identities that are fluid in reality; in reviewing the book for The New Yorker , Moira Donegan suggested that, “One useful working definition of a woman might be ‘someone who experiences misogyny.'” Whichever words we use, Solnit writes in the introduction to the book that “when words break through unspeakability, what was tolerated by a society sometimes becomes intolerable.” This storytelling work has always been vital; it continues to be vital, and in this book, it is brilliantly done. –Corinne Segal, Senior Editor

Valeria Luiselli, Tell Me How It Ends (2017)

The newly minted MacArthur fellow Valeria Luiselli’s four-part (but really six-part) essay Tell Me How It Ends: An Essay in Forty Questions was inspired by her time spent volunteering at the federal immigration court in New York City, working as an interpreter for undocumented, unaccompanied migrant children who crossed the U.S.-Mexico border. Written concurrently with her novel Lost Children Archive (a fictional exploration of the same topic), Luiselli’s essay offers a fascinating conceit, the fashioning of an argument from the questions on the government intake form given to these children to process their arrivals. (Aside from the fact that this essay is a heartbreaking masterpiece, this is such a good conceit—transforming a cold, reproducible administrative document into highly personal literature.) Luiselli interweaves a grounded discussion of the questionnaire with a narrative of the road trip Luiselli takes with her husband and family, across America, while they (both Mexican citizens) wait for their own Green Card applications to be processed. It is on this trip when Luiselli reflects on the thousands of migrant children mysteriously traveling across the border by themselves. But the real point of the essay is to actually delve into the real stories of some of these children, which are agonizing, as well as to gravely, clearly expose what literally happens, procedural, when they do arrive—from forms to courts, as they’re swallowed by a bureaucratic vortex. Amid all of this, Luiselli also takes on more, exploring the larger contextual relationship between the United States of America and Mexico (as well as other countries in Central America, more broadly) as it has evolved to our current, adverse moment. Tell Me How It Ends is so small, but it is so passionate and vigorous: it desperately accomplishes in its less-than-100-pages-of-prose what centuries and miles and endless records of federal bureaucracy have never been able, and have never cared, to do: reverse the dehumanization of Latin American immigrants that occurs once they set foot in this country. –Olivia Rutigliano, CrimeReads Editorial Fellow

Zadie Smith, Feel Free (2018)

In the essay “Meet Justin Bieber!” in Feel Free , Zadie Smith writes that her interest in Justin Bieber is not an interest in the interiority of the singer himself, but in “the idea of the love object”. This essay—in which Smith imagines a meeting between Bieber and the late philosopher Martin Buber (“Bieber and Buber are alternative spellings of the same German surname,” she explains in one of many winning footnotes. “Who am I to ignore these hints from the universe?”). Smith allows that this premise is a bit premise -y: “I know, I know.” Still, the resulting essay is a very funny, very smart, and un-tricky exploration of individuality and true “meeting,” with a dash of late capitalism thrown in for good measure. The melding of high and low culture is the bread and butter of pretty much every prestige publication on the internet these days (and certainly of the Twitter feeds of all “public intellectuals”), but the essays in Smith’s collection don’t feel familiar—perhaps because hers is, as we’ve long known, an uncommon skill. Though I believe Smith could probably write compellingly about anything, she chooses her subjects wisely. She writes with as much electricity about Brexit as the aforementioned Beliebers—and each essay is utterly engrossing. “She contains multitudes, but her point is we all do,” writes Hermione Hoby in her review of the collection in The New Republic . “At the same time, we are, in our endless difference, nobody but ourselves.” –Jessie Gaynor, Social Media Editor

Tressie McMillan Cottom, Thick: And Other Essays (2019)

Tressie McMillan Cottom is an academic who has transcended the ivory tower to become the sort of public intellectual who can easily appear on radio or television talk shows to discuss race, gender, and capitalism. Her collection of essays reflects this duality, blending scholarly work with memoir to create a collection on the black female experience in postmodern America that’s “intersectional analysis with a side of pop culture.” The essays range from an analysis of sexual violence, to populist politics, to social media, but in centering her own experiences throughout, the collection becomes something unlike other pieces of criticism of contemporary culture. In explaining the title, she reflects on what an editor had said about her work: “I was too readable to be academic, too deep to be popular, too country black to be literary, and too naïve to show the rigor of my thinking in the complexity of my prose. I had wanted to create something meaningful that sounded not only like me, but like all of me. It was too thick.” One of the most powerful essays in the book is “Dying to be Competent” which begins with her unpacking the idiocy of LinkedIn (and the myth of meritocracy) and ends with a description of her miscarriage, the mishandling of black woman’s pain, and a condemnation of healthcare bureaucracy. A finalist for the 2019 National Book Award for Nonfiction, Thick confirms McMillan Cottom as one of our most fearless public intellectuals and one of the most vital. –Emily Firetog, Deputy Editor

Dissenting Opinions

The following books were just barely nudged out of the top ten, but we (or at least one of us) couldn’t let them pass without comment.

Elif Batuman, The Possessed (2010)

In The Possessed Elif Batuman indulges her love of Russian literature and the result is hilarious and remarkable. Each essay of the collection chronicles some adventure or other that she had while in graduate school for Comparative Literature and each is more unpredictable than the next. There’s the time a “well-known 20th-centuryist” gave a graduate student the finger; and the time when Batuman ended up living in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, for a summer; and the time that she convinced herself Tolstoy was murdered and spent the length of the Tolstoy Conference in Yasnaya Polyana considering clues and motives. Rich in historic detail about Russian authors and literature and thoughtfully constructed, each essay is an amalgam of critical analysis, cultural criticism, and serious contemplation of big ideas like that of identity, intellectual legacy, and authorship. With wit and a serpentine-like shape to her narratives, Batuman adopts a form reminiscent of a Socratic discourse, setting up questions at the beginning of her essays and then following digressions that more or less entreat the reader to synthesize the answer for herself. The digressions are always amusing and arguably the backbone of the collection, relaying absurd anecdotes with foreign scholars or awkward, surreal encounters with Eastern European strangers. Central also to the collection are Batuman’s intellectual asides where she entertains a theory—like the “problem of the person”: the inability to ever wholly capture one’s character—that ultimately layer the book’s themes. “You are certainly my most entertaining student,” a professor said to Batuman. But she is also curious and enthusiastic and reflective and so knowledgeable that she might even convince you (she has me!) that you too love Russian literature as much as she does. –Eleni Theodoropoulos, Editorial Fellow

Roxane Gay, Bad Feminist (2014)

Roxane Gay’s now-classic essay collection is a book that will make you laugh, think, cry, and then wonder, how can cultural criticism be this fun? My favorite essays in the book include Gay’s musings on competitive Scrabble, her stranded-in-academia dispatches, and her joyous film and television criticism, but given the breadth of topics Roxane Gay can discuss in an entertaining manner, there’s something for everyone in this one. This book is accessible because feminism itself should be accessible – Roxane Gay is as likely to draw inspiration from YA novels, or middle-brow shows about friendship, as she is to introduce concepts from the academic world, and if there’s anyone I trust to bridge the gap between high culture, low culture, and pop culture, it’s the Goddess of Twitter. I used to host a book club dedicated to radical reads, and this was one of the first picks for the club; a week after the book club met, I spied a few of the attendees meeting in the café of the bookstore, and found out that they had bonded so much over discussing Bad Feminist that they couldn’t wait for the next meeting of the book club to keep discussing politics and intersectionality, and that, in a nutshell, is the power of Roxane. –Molly Odintz, CrimeReads Associate Editor

Rivka Galchen, Little Labors (2016)

Generally, I find stories about the trials and tribulations of child-having to be of limited appeal—useful, maybe, insofar as they offer validation that other people have also endured the bizarre realities of living with a tiny human, but otherwise liable to drift into the musings of parents thrilled at the simple fact of their own fecundity, as if they were the first ones to figure the process out (or not). But Little Labors is not simply an essay collection about motherhood, perhaps because Galchen initially “didn’t want to write about” her new baby—mostly, she writes, “because I had never been interested in babies, or mothers; in fact, those subjects had seemed perfectly not interesting to me.” Like many new mothers, though, Galchen soon discovered her baby—which she refers to sometimes as “the puma”—to be a preoccupying thought, demanding to be written about. Galchen’s interest isn’t just in her own progeny, but in babies in literature (“Literature has more dogs than babies, and also more abortions”), The Pillow Book , the eleventh-century collection of musings by Sei Shōnagon, and writers who are mothers. There are sections that made me laugh out loud, like when Galchen continually finds herself in an elevator with a neighbor who never fails to remark on the puma’s size. There are also deeper, darker musings, like the realization that the baby means “that it’s not permissible to die. There are days when this does not feel good.” It is a slim collection that I happened to read at the perfect time, and it remains one of my favorites of the decade. –Emily Firetog, Deputy Editor

Charlie Fox, This Young Monster (2017)

On social media as in his writing, British art critic Charlie Fox rejects lucidity for allusion and doesn’t quite answer the Twitter textbox’s persistent question: “What’s happening?” These days, it’s hard to tell. This Young Monster (2017), Fox’s first book,was published a few months after Donald Trump’s election, and at one point Fox takes a swipe at a man he judges “direct from a nightmare and just a repulsive fucking goon.” Fox doesn’t linger on politics, though, since most of the monsters he looks at “embody otherness and make it into art, ripping any conventional idea of beauty to shreds and replacing it with something weird and troubling of their own invention.”

If clichés are loathed because they conform to what philosopher Georges Bataille called “the common measure,” then monsters are rebellious non-sequiturs, comedic or horrific derailments from a classical ideal. Perverts in the most literal sense, monsters have gone astray from some “proper” course. The book’s nine chapters, which are about a specific monster or type of monster, are full of callbacks to familiar and lesser-known media. Fox cites visual art, film, songs, and books with the screwy buoyancy of a savant. Take one of his essays, “Spook House,” framed as a stage play with two principal characters, Klaus (“an intoxicated young skinhead vampire”) and Hermione (“a teen sorceress with green skin and jet-black hair” who looks more like The Wicked Witch than her namesake). The chorus is a troupe of trick-or-treaters. Using the filmmaker Cameron Jamie as a starting point, the rest is free association on gothic decadence and Detroit and L.A. as cities of the dead. All the while, Klaus quotes from Artforum , Dazed & Confused , and Time Out. It’s a technical feat that makes fictionalized dialogue a conveyor belt for cultural criticism.

In Fox’s imagination, David Bowie and the Hydra coexist alongside Peter Pan, Dennis Hopper, and the maenads. Fox’s book reaches for the monster’s mask, not really to peel it off but to feel and smell the rubber schnoz, to know how it’s made before making sure it’s still snugly set. With a stylistic blend of arthouse suavity and B-movie chic, This Young Monster considers how monsters in culture are made. Aren’t the scariest things made in post-production? Isn’t the creature just duplicity, like a looping choir or a dubbed scream? –Aaron Robertson, Assistant Editor

Elena Passarello, Animals Strike Curious Poses (2017)

Elena Passarello’s collection of essays Animals Strike Curious Poses picks out infamous animals and grants them the voice, narrative, and history they deserve. Not only is a collection like this relevant during the sixth extinction but it is an ambitious historical and anthropological undertaking, which Passarello has tackled with thorough research and a playful tone that rather than compromise her subject, complicates and humanizes it. Passarello’s intention is to investigate the role of animals across the span of human civilization and in doing so, to construct a timeline of humanity as told through people’s interactions with said animals. “Of all the images that make our world, animal images are particularly buried inside us,” Passarello writes in her first essay, to introduce us to the object of the book and also to the oldest of her chosen characters: Yuka, a 39,000-year-old mummified woolly mammoth discovered in the Siberian permafrost in 2010. It was an occasion so remarkable and so unfathomable given the span of human civilization that Passarello says of Yuka: “Since language is epically younger than both thought and experience, ‘woolly mammoth’ means, to a human brain, something more like time.” The essay ends with a character placing a hand on a cave drawing of a woolly mammoth, accompanied by a phrase which encapsulates the author’s vision for the book: “And he becomes the mammoth so he can envision the mammoth.” In Passarello’s hands the imagined boundaries between the animal, natural, and human world disintegrate and what emerges is a cohesive if baffling integrated history of life. With the accuracy and tenacity of a journalist and the spirit of a storyteller, Elena Passarello has assembled a modern bestiary worthy of contemplation and awe. –Eleni Theodoropoulos, Editorial Fellow

Esmé Weijun Wang, The Collected Schizophrenias (2019)

Esmé Weijun Wang’s collection of essays is a kaleidoscopic look at mental health and the lives affected by the schizophrenias. Each essay takes on a different aspect of the topic, but you’ll want to read them together for a holistic perspective. Esmé Weijun Wang generously begins The Collected Schizophrenias by acknowledging the stereotype, “Schizophrenia terrifies. It is the archetypal disorder of lunacy.” From there, she walks us through the technical language, breaks down the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual ( DSM-5 )’s clinical definition. And then she gets very personal, telling us about how she came to her own diagnosis and the way it’s touched her daily life (her relationships, her ideas about motherhood). Esmé Weijun Wang is uniquely situated to write about this topic. As a former lab researcher at Stanford, she turns a precise, analytical eye to her experience while simultaneously unfolding everything with great patience for her reader. Throughout, she brilliantly dissects the language around mental health. (On saying “a person living with bipolar disorder” instead of using “bipolar” as the sole subject: “…we are not our diseases. We are instead individuals with disorders and malfunctions. Our conditions lie over us like smallpox blankets; we are one thing and the illness is another.”) She pinpoints the ways she arms herself against anticipated reactions to the schizophrenias: high fashion, having attended an Ivy League institution. In a particularly piercing essay, she traces mental illness back through her family tree. She also places her story within more mainstream cultural contexts, calling on groundbreaking exposés about the dangerous of institutionalization and depictions of mental illness in television and film (like the infamous Slender Man case, in which two young girls stab their best friend because an invented Internet figure told them to). At once intimate and far-reaching, The Collected Schizophrenias is an informative and important (and let’s not forget artful) work. I’ve never read a collection quite so beautifully-written and laid-bare as this. –Katie Yee, Book Marks Assistant Editor

Ross Gay, The Book of Delights (2019)

When Ross Gay began writing what would become The Book of Delights, he envisioned it as a project of daily essays, each focused on a moment or point of delight in his day. This plan quickly disintegrated; on day four, he skipped his self-imposed assignment and decided to “in honor and love, delight in blowing it off.” (Clearly, “blowing it off” is a relative term here, as he still produced the book.) Ross Gay is a generous teacher of how to live, and this moment of reveling in self-compassion is one lesson among many in The Book of Delights , which wanders from moments of connection with strangers to a shade of “red I don’t think I actually have words for,” a text from a friend reading “I love you breadfruit,” and “the sun like a guiding hand on my back, saying everything is possible. Everything .”

Gay does not linger on any one subject for long, creating the sense that delight is a product not of extenuating circumstances, but of our attention; his attunement to the possibilities of a single day, and awareness of all the small moments that produce delight, are a model for life amid the warring factions of the attention economy. These small moments range from the physical–hugging a stranger, transplanting fig cuttings–to the spiritual and philosophical, giving the impression of sitting beside Gay in his garden as he thinks out loud in real time. It’s a privilege to listen. –Corinne Segal, Senior Editor

Honorable Mentions

A selection of other books that we seriously considered for both lists—just to be extra about it (and because decisions are hard).

Terry Castle, The Professor and Other Writings (2010) · Joyce Carol Oates, In Rough Country (2010) · Geoff Dyer, Otherwise Known as the Human Condition (2011) · Christopher Hitchens, Arguably (2011) · Roberto Bolaño, tr. Natasha Wimmer, Between Parentheses (2011) · Dubravka Ugresic, tr. David Williams, Karaoke Culture (2011) · Tom Bissell, Magic Hours (2012) · Kevin Young, The Grey Album (2012) · William H. Gass, Life Sentences: Literary Judgments and Accounts (2012) · Mary Ruefle, Madness, Rack, and Honey (2012) · Herta Müller, tr. Geoffrey Mulligan, Cristina and Her Double (2013) · Leslie Jamison, The Empathy Exams (2014) · Meghan Daum, The Unspeakable (2014) · Daphne Merkin, The Fame Lunches (2014) · Charles D’Ambrosio, Loitering (2015) · Wendy Walters, Multiply/Divide (2015) · Colm Tóibín, On Elizabeth Bishop (2015) · Renee Gladman, Calamities (2016) · Jesmyn Ward, ed. The Fire This Time (2016) · Lindy West, Shrill (2016) · Mary Oliver, Upstream (2016) · Emily Witt, Future Sex (2016) · Olivia Laing, The Lonely City (2016) · Mark Greif, Against Everything (2016) · Durga Chew-Bose, Too Much and Not the Mood (2017) · Sarah Gerard, Sunshine State (2017) · Jim Harrison, A Really Big Lunch (2017) · J.M. Coetzee, Late Essays: 2006-2017 (2017) · Melissa Febos, Abandon Me (2017) · Louise Glück, American Originality (2017) · Joan Didion, South and West (2017) · Tom McCarthy, Typewriters, Bombs, Jellyfish (2017) · Hanif Abdurraqib, They Can’t Kill Us Until they Kill Us (2017) · Ta-Nehisi Coates, We Were Eight Years in Power (2017) · Samantha Irby, We Are Never Meeting in Real Life (2017) · Alexander Chee, How to Write an Autobiographical Novel (2018) · Alice Bolin, Dead Girls (2018) · Marilynne Robinson, What Are We Doing Here? (2018) · Lorrie Moore, See What Can Be Done (2018) · Maggie O’Farrell, I Am I Am I Am (2018) · Ijeoma Oluo, So You Want to Talk About Race (2018) · Rachel Cusk, Coventry (2019) · Jia Tolentino, Trick Mirror (2019) · Emily Bernard, Black is the Body (2019) · Toni Morrison, The Source of Self-Regard (2019) · Margaret Renkl, Late Migrations (2019) · Rachel Munroe, Savage Appetites (2019) · Robert A. Caro, Working (2019) · Arundhati Roy, My Seditious Heart (2019).

Emily Temple

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Student Essays

Essay on Book Reading – Value & Importance For Students

Book reading is very important. It is in fact a meaningful and most valuable activity one should do. The books are the best friends. Books are the treasure house of knowledge and wisdom. It is therefore, very imperative, for young old, for children & students, to read books and enhance knowledge. Read following short & long essay on topic Essay on Book reading, value and importance of book reading with quotes & images for Ukg children & students.

Essay on Book Reading | Value & Importance of Book Reading, Books are best Friends – Short & Long Essay For Students

Introduction

Book reading is very good habit. It has very positive effects on person. Book reading plays a major role in developing of personality. It build’s one character.

Book reading is one of the best hobbies of the world. It has wide importance and a lot of benefits in one’s life. It takes you to another world. Book reading is the best investment of time. They are the treasure house of knowledge and wisdom. One can enjoy a lot by reading books of his interest. Books are best way to gain valuable knowledge.

Importance & Advantages of Book Reading

Book reading is has a lot of benefits. It enhances our knowledge and we can get massive knowledge just by reading a book. It plays a major role in improving language skills.

One can learn new words by reading books. It also makes you write well. We read about different personalities and stories of their valor and strength in books.

>> Related: A Good Paragraph on Value of Books For Students <<<<

These stories motivate us to do best in our lives. We learn a lot from lives of these wit people who have served humanity by their sound abilities. The biographies of great ones make us to work hard and keep working till achievement of success. Books take you to new world. We can read about different people and different places in books. It gives us glimpse of different places of world. One has rightly said

[su_quote]“That’s the thing about books. They let you travel with out moving your feet.”[/su_quote]

Books give you right direction to lead your life. We read about different philosophies about life and this gives us better understanding of life. We start to comprehend life and it purpose. Books are the best motivator of life and best assistant for life. They tell you that lives of all the great ones were full of troubles and tribulations.

It is important face all the problems manfully and does not lose hope. One can also know about his interest by reading books. This makes us to choose the career which is according to our deposition and aptitude.

Books are the Best Friends & Best Investment of Time

Book reading is the best investment of time in all ways. There are books for all age groups. One can read stories, biographies, novels, philosophies, religious books etc. we can read books according to our interest.

One can read historical books and can easily know about the lives of ancient people and their ways of living. Books take you every corner of world as we can read the books of different writers from different areas. It gives us chance to know about thoughts of people of different areas.

We can travel of different corners of world. Books widen our imaginations by reading about diverse topics. It enables us to think beyond the limits. Books help us to build our character and lead our life in a better way.

Books are permanent companions. Knowledge we get through books help us in many ways. Books are source of solace for all the people and they find themselves very comfortable in company of books. It makes them forget their worries and engross in the words of writer. Above all, book reading hobby is indeed on of the finest investment of time

Book reading has major influence on the thoughts of man. Thus, it is very important to choose good books for reading. We should choose books that enhance our knowledge and give our life a better direction. It is very important to develop the habit of book reading.

Children should be encouraged by their teachers and parents for reading books. Government should build libraries to develop the interest of people towards books by providing them valuable books. Book reading can change the life of people in positive way.

2 thoughts on “Essay on Book Reading – Value & Importance For Students”

Its very good .

plz write essay on Book Reading and its Impacts on Readers’ Personality … BTW nice essay.

The Importance of Reading Books

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Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV Sample Essay

Updated On Aug 05, 2024

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The article discusses IELTS Agree/Disagree essay 'Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV'. It outlines essay structure, provides a sample answer, and highlights the benefits of both activities for imagination and language skills.

Sample answer, more writing task 2 essay topics.

Predicted Cue Cards Topics 2024

Agree Disagree essays, like ‘Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV’, are the most common type of questions in IELTS Writing Task 2 . In contrast to classic IELTS Agree Disagree essays , ‘To what extent do you agree or disagree’ questions do not specifically ask you to declare your level of agreement or disagreement with the statement. You can either say for or against the notion or you can partly agree or disagree with it. Once you've made up your mind, come up with two or three arguments in favour of it.

Let’s have a look at the Agree Disagree essay - Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV - with three expert-curated sample answers for different IELTS band scores. If you want to practise regularly, check out the IELTS Writing practice tests .

Learn how to write the perfect IELTS Agree/Disagree essay for Band 9 score with the guide below!

Some people believe that people who read books can develop more imagination and language skills than those who prefer to watch TV. Do you agree or disagree?

Some people believe that reading stories from a book is better than watching TV or playing computer games for children. To what extent do you agree or disagree?

Structure Breakdown

While it has been said that reading books for pleasure rather than watching TV is more beneficial for one’s imagination and acquiring language skills, I contend that the role of the former in boosting intelligence and language ability is equal to the latter.

One the one hand, books are instrumental in enhancing children’s imagination and development. A kid reading a fairly tale with illustration will have to think, fantasize and use their creativeness to comprehend ideas and reasoning, which in turn sharpen their mental skills . Moreover, reading books helps to improve language skills. Spending time reading a book which is not written in our mother tongue leads to the development of a strong language base referring to its vocabulary, or comprehending meaning of a word in different contexts. Besides, reading out a book for children is also an effective way to help them improve their communication skill , which is greatly stimulated as the kids grab a spoken word and use it in daily conversations.

On the other hand, watching TV is considered an important activity as reading in order to cultivate one’s imaginativeness regarding its characteristics of programs. Firstly, when audiences watch a tourism channel for example, they are exposed to a wide range of knowledge by seizing images of worldwide landscapes or feel tastes of specialties in various geographical region s. The broadcasting of quiz shows serves as an efficient learning tool for both children and adults who prefer taking challenges which involve critical thinking . Secondly, the role of TV in boosting linguistic competence is pivotal . Recent English programs not only support audience to remember words easily by associating them with vivid images shown on the screen but catch their constant attention with entertaining aspects.

In conclusion, while the benefits of reading are undeniable, they cannot outweigh the role of TV in enhancing a person’s imaginativeness and language skills.

Have a look at the IELTS Vocabulary for IELTS Writing Task 2 Agree/Disagree Essay sample answer on 'Reading stories from a book is better than watching TV'.

The former (phrase): denoting the first or first mentioned of two people or things.
The latter (phrase): denoting the second or second mentioned of two people or things.
Instrumental (adj): very important in helping or causing something to happen or be done
Fairly tale (phrase): a simple children’s story about magical creatures
Fanticise (verb): to imagine that something pleasant, exciting, or unusual is happening to you
Critical thinking (phrase): the objective analysis and evaluation of an issue in order to form a judgement.
Linguistic competence (phrase): the system of linguistic knowledge of a language
Pivotal (adj): very important

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Reading Essay Titles

IELTS essay questions for books and reading topic.

Some people think books are losing importance as a source of information and entertainment. To what extent do you agree? (Reported 2017, GT)

Children who start reading earlier in life perform better later on in their school studies. How important are early reading skills in a child’s academic performance? What other preschool factors influence a child’s academic success?

Some people think that children who spend a lot of time reading children’s story books are wasting their time which could be better used doing other more useful activities. To what extent do you agree?

Some people think that e-books are the death of paper books, while others think that paper books will never disappear. Discuss both sides and give your opinion.

Libraries should focus on improving their technological resources rather than on building a larger collection of paper books. To what extent do you agree?

Public libraries will soon no longer be housed in a building as all facilities and books will be available online for everyone to access. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of public libraries only existing online.

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Essay on Importance of Reading, with Outline

Published by gudwriter on June 9, 2022 June 9, 2022

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Why is Reading Important Essay Outline

Introduction.

Thesis: Reading is essential in the life any child or adult since it is a pre-requisite to success.

Paragraph 1:

In every step, there is the building of skills or the mastery of previously learned skills.
For instance, in the first few years in the life of a child, he or she is taught on how to convert words into a sound in a process referred to as decoding

Paragraph 2:

To most children, the process takes place automatically or naturally.
Some children have problems with decoding and might, therefore, require extreme teaching by the teacher.

Paragraph 3.

Some or all of these disabilities can be classified as neuro-developmental meaning that they cannot go away but only managed.
In cases where a child’s disability in reading is identified at an early age, they can be taught how best to deal with the situation.

Paragraph 4:

Reading is not only an essential activity for children but also adults.
Reading exposes an individual to new things, ideas, information and how to solve problems.
Sometimes, reading ends being a hobby to many people or even a career.

Paragraph 5:

Through reading, people become better and understand the world more.
It is through this vital activity that people gain a deep understanding of a specific topic that is of interest to the reader.
For instance, one can read an article or any other piece of writing on how to improve one’s self-confidence or how to memorize things.

Paragraph 6:

The more one reads something, the more they understand.
For instance, one might read about reptiles and their habits.
Sometimes, one might practice what they have read it in real life to see what might happen.

Paragraph 7:

Usually, before taking action on anything, one seeks guidance and help.
Guidance can be obtained from people who have gone through similar situations.
In the 21 st century, the need to receive guidance and help goes a long way in making huge decisions after weighing on their pros and cons.

Paragraph 8:

Since different people from varying backgrounds write books, reading exposes a reader to different experiences.
Through such experiences, a reader may hasten their success towards a goal since they might avoid similar mistakes made by other people.
Books contain successes, failures, and advice from different people and it is assumed that life is too short to repeat mistakes committed by people in the past.

Paragraph 9:

Reading also develops imagination and helps people build their self-esteem.

As one reads, the descriptions of things, places, and people they read about is translated into pictures by their brain.
The knowledge gained in this manner can be applied in everyday life.
A restate of the thesis
A summary of the main points
A take-away statement made based on presented facts or information

Perhaps you might be interested in reading a sample speech on the importance of reading .

Essay on Importance of Reading

Reading is one of the most critical activities any child can engage in for his or her success in life. However, in the course of life people are faced with different challenges that outweigh the desire to read, and without proper guidance, they might never overcome these obstacles. Almost every individual has been involved in the learning process where one is taught how to read and write. In this case, the most significant process is learning how to read and write a specific language. Reading is essential in the life of any child or adult since it is a pre-requisite to success.

Learning how to read is a sequential process. In every step, there is the building of skills or the mastery of previously learned skills. For instance, in the first few years in the life of a child, he or she is taught how to convert words into sound in a process referred to as decoding (Arrington et al., 2014). Later on, they are taught how to comprehend and understand the meaning of the words they utter by organizing them into sentences and passages.

The process of decoding is the basic foundation of every child’s reading skills. To most children, the process takes place automatically or naturally. However, some children have problems with this process and might therefore require significant teaching by their teacher or caretaker. The mostly affected people in this regard are young people who have disabilities in reading and need serious interventions. According to Nelson, Lindstrom and Foels (2015), approximately 85% of children are diagnosed with a challenge in reading or related skills in language development. Some or all of these disabilities can be classified as neuro-developmental, meaning they cannot go away but can only be managed. In essence, a majority of these children can be taught how to read to become proficient readers who can understand the basic strategies needed for success in school. In cases where a child’s disability in reading is identified at an early age, they can be taught how best to deal with the situation.

The identification of learning disabilities in a child at an early age emphasizes the importance of reading. Reading is not only an essential activity for children but also adults. It exposes an individual to new things, ideas, and information, and equips them to become effective problem solvers. Sometimes, reading ends being a hobby to many people, or even a career. It is from reading that exploration arises.

Reading also forms a fundamental part of self-improvement. Through it, people become better in understanding the world around them. It is through this vital activity that people gain a deep understanding of specific topics that are of interest to them. For instance, one can read an article or any other piece of writing on how to improve one’s self-confidence or how to memorize things. Such self-improvement techniques arise from reading (Ross, 2017). It is thus through reading that it becomes possible for one to create a structured path towards better understanding of issues and well-informed decision making.

Further, reading is crucial as it helps one to prepare to take action. Usually, before taking an action on anything, one seeks guidance and help. Guidance can be obtained from people who have gone through similar situations. However, some people turn to reading as a source of knowledge and guidance about a situation. In the 21st century, the need to receive guidance and help goes a long way in informing decision making. For example, one can read on how to cook a meal, how to play football, or even the best places to go for a vacation. In such situations, reading help people prepare before they take any significant steps.

It is also through reading that one may gain experience from other people. Since books and other reading material are written by different people from varying backgrounds, reading exposes a reader to different experiences. Through such experiences, a reader may hasten their success towards a goal since they might avoid similar mistakes made by other people. Books contain successes, failures, and advice from different people and it is assumed that life is too short to repeat mistakes committed by other people in the past (Arizpe, 2015). In the case of success, one might read on the best ways to make money and avoid certain mistakes along this path. Learning about and getting to understand people who have succeeded is essential for someone who intends to follow the same path.

Reading also develops imagination and helps people build their self-esteem. As one reads, the descriptions of things, places, and people they read about is translated into pictures by their brain (Cam Everlands Primary School, 2019). While reading a story for instance, a reader puts him or herself in the shoes of a character and imagines how the character feels. The knowledge gained in this manner can be applied in everyday life. In the same breadth, as noted by One World Literacy Foundation (2013), the more a person reads, the more educated they become. More education culminates into increased confidence which effectively increases self-esteem. One gets to expand their thinking capacity and become more creative as they read about how diverse life is and expose themselves to new information and ideas. A well-read person can provide answers to an array of general knowledge questions, a factor that significantly boosts self-confidence.

Reading is an essential milestone in the life of any child since it is a pre-requisite to success. Learning continues to be a necessary activity in the life of any individual. The first thing that children are taught when they go to school is the ability to read and write. Those children that have reading disabilities are taught using different techniques to ensure that they succeed. It is through reading that people learn how to avoid mistakes committed by other people, prepare to take action, improve their understanding, develop their imagination, and improve their self-esteem.

Arizpe, E., & Smith, V. (Eds.). (2015). Children as readers in children’s literature: the power of texts and the importance of reading . New York, NY: Routledge.

Arrington, C. N., Kulesz, P. A., Francis, D. J., Fletcher, J. M., & Barnes, M. A. (2014). The contribution of attentional control and working memory to reading comprehension and decoding. Scientific Studies of Reading , 18 (5), 325-346.

Cam Everlands Primary School. (2019). “10 benefits of reading”. Cam Everlands Primary School . Retrieved February 23, 2019 from http://www.cameverlands.org.uk/10-benefits-of-reading/

Nelson, J. M., Lindstrom, W., & Foels, P. A. (2015). Test anxiety among college students with specific reading disability (dyslexia) nonverbal ability and working memory as predictors. Journal of Learning Disabilities , 48 (4), 422-432.

World Literacy Foundation. (2021). “Reading Improves Literacy”. World Literacy Foundation . Retrieved February 8, 2021 from https://worldliteracyfoundation.org/reading-aloud-improves-literacy-development/

Ross, C. M. (2017). Summer reading lists: the importance of reading. BAOJ Neurol , 3 , 040.

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English Language Learning

How to bring to life the science of reading, by lauren keeling aug 21, 2024.

The author, Lauren Keeling, chats to a group of students at Pendergast, AZ.

Image credit: imagine learning.

This article is part of the collection: Empowering Potential: How Innovative Classroom Materials Enhance Teaching and Learning.

“You go into your own world for a moment. Like, if someone's talking to me and I'm reading a book, I wouldn't hear them,” says Aylynn, an eighth grader in Pendergast Elementary District in Phoenix, Arizona. “You can understand someone else's culture, what they celebrate, what they honor and what they believe in, without personally asking. It makes me empathize with other people.”

I spoke to Aylynn as part of a visit to Pendergast with my colleagues from Imagine Learning to hear about educators’ and students’ experiences using the Imagine Learning EL Education curriculum . Her words describe the transformative power of reading — a skill that, unlike spoken language, humans are not naturally hardwired to master. Reading requires building connections in the brain that wouldn’t exist without explicit instruction. As a result, teaching students how to read is a complex and challenging endeavor — that’s why it takes years.

Content-Based Literacy

To address potential breakdowns in reading abilities, schools increasingly turn to digital and blended learning programs that align their curricula with the science of reading. The Imagine Learning EL Education curriculum is deeply rooted in the science of reading, focusing on explicit instruction in the areas outlined above. It offers a content-based approach that combines structured phonics instruction with the use of compelling, real-world texts to engage and excite K-8 learners. In doing so, it aligns with the concept of high-quality instructional materials (HQIMs) , a term that an increasing number of school districts use when identifying materials that fulfill criteria such as being aligned to learning standards, offering best-practice pedagogy and delivering a user-friendly experience for both teachers and students.

At Pendergast, the educators I chatted with spoke at length about how helpful they find the program in applying the science of reading principles to practical contexts. “It's nice with Imagine Learning EL Education that the children have explicit phonics instruction,” says Corina, an instructional coach. “But also, there are opportunities in labs for verbal reasoning and vocabulary development and background building, and the children have those hands-on opportunities to apply what they are learning in the module to their lab's time.”

One effective content-based approach to literacy involves students exploring long-form, cross-curricular content. “I love the fact that students are actually reading and spending time in books,” says seventh grade ELA teacher Kathryn. “Not just basals, not just snippets of a story, but actual novels and books.” Every teacher I spoke to at Pendergast echoed that same sentiment — the books bring the curriculum to life for the students.

School principal Abraham agrees: “Having the students have the ability to really dive deep within that text and read the text multiple times is so important for comprehension, especially with our students that are English language learners or that might have a learning disability. [It has] really helped us in closing that achievement gap.”

“When we're looking for those high-quality instructional materials, we're looking for standard alignment,” says Kelsie, assistant director of interdisciplinary literacy, as we talked about the selection process for a new curriculum. “We're also looking for materials that the students can see themselves in. Are they culturally relevant for our kids? We also want them to be able to take that deep knowledge of learning into other aspects of their life and be ready for the future.”

This article was sponsored by Imagine Learning and produced by the Solutions Studio team.

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Perspectives

What’s Your POV? Essay Collections To Read Now

BY Arthur Smith • Aug. 26, 2024

Is it shameful to admit that I prefer the essays of some celebrated novelists to their fiction? I never completely warmed to Martin Amis’ gimlet-eyed satires like Money and London Fields , but I’ve read my copy of his essay collection The Moronic Inferno to tatters. And I routinely bypass my three-quarters-read Infinite Jest to once again page through David Foster Wallace’s Consider the Lobster .

There are special pleasures to be had from dipping into a good collection of essays: variety, deep-dive specificity, the sensation of being spoken to directly by the author. The essay is the province of the voice; as always, Indieland is rife with distinctive voices and compelling, individualistic points of view. The following recent collections have caught our attention:

Sean Enfield’s Holy American Burnout! (2023) tackles issues of race, American history, and education. Enfield, a biracial millennial, pulls no punches: One piece in this collection surveys conservative memes featuring Martin Luther King Jr.—posted by Enfield’s white aunt. In a particularly painful episode, a teacher has a class bedazzle paper shackles with glitter and stickers as part of a lesson on enslaved Africans enduring the Middle Passage. Our reviewer praises Enfield as “a skilled wordsmith with a keen sense of American history and a deep appreciation for the Black intellectual tradition.”

The educational theme continues in The World From the Eighth Grade , in which former social studies teacher Richard Aston has compiled essays written anonymously by his eighth grade students, with no fear of reprisals or judgment, in 1969. Their extraordinary offerings are collected here, reflecting a dizzying array of voices that range from “the surprisingly insightful to the charmingly absurd.” These essays offer a rare, unguarded glimpse into the adolescent psyche (“I don’t know what I want to do. Maybe a dope peddler or a secret agent or a billionaire”)as well as a unique vantage from which to consider one of the most tumultuous eras in American history.

Moving from innocence to experience, Janet Benner’s Olders’ Voices (2023) gathers essays written by a group of respondents between the ages of 68 and 99. The pieces offer some expected advice (adults should call their elderly parents more often) as well as hard-won wisdom regarding loneliness, isolation, and failing health. While such subjects are inarguably bleak, the collection is buoyed by the writers’ overall sense of optimism and gratitude, and the book’s biggest takeaway—in the face of adversity, maintain flexibility—is worth its weight in gold. Our reviewer praises the “thought-provoking” entries for their “keep kicking” attitude.

Finally, Lawrence Shainberg’s Hot Hand Sutras (2023) offers an “absorbing and poignant exploration of the human brain,” per our reviewer. Shainberg, an accomplished writer, spent decades researching the workings of the human mind, publishing his findings in such august journals as the New York Times Magazine and Harper’s. The essays collected here cover such topics as athletic “hot streaks,” the practices of Zen and meditation, and creativity. Our reviewer notes that the pieces display “literary sophistication and the gripping storytelling of a skilled novelist”; perhaps the rewards of good essays and good fiction aren’t so different after all.

Arthur Smith is an Indie editor.

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The Twists and Turns of Language

Natasha Trethewey’s life in poetry and prose

Natasha Trethewey’s Life in Poetry and Prose

A work of biography, an essay on literature and memory and the South, a prose poem full of lyrical dexterity, Trethewey’s latest book is like all of her others: a master study of the self.

If, as Zora Neale Hurston once argued, racial prejudice is a loss not for her but for those who embrace it, then one has to wonder how much the United States has forfeited on account of its perennial anti-Blackness. “Sometimes, I feel discriminated against, but it does not make me angry,” Hurston wrote. “It merely astonishes me. How can any deny themselves the pleasure of my company? It’s beyond me.” Hurston’s “How It Feels to Be Colored Me” is sprinkled with wry aphorisms like this that slice through the layers of early-20th-century American racism. Riddled with anecdotes and Southern charm, it is also not only about Hurston celebrating her Blackness but turning the mirror back onto white Americans, who, she insists, miss a lot about themselves, too.

Books in review

The house of being.

The art of showing Americans what they have missed and who they are—in particular by offering acute portraits of the South—sits at the center of Natasha Trethewey’s poetry and prose. Her accolades alone testify to her acumen. She is a griot, a former US poet laureate, and a Pulitzer Prize winner. But what has made her so vital to American literature is that she has cast back the image of a fragmented America to her readers not so much to affirm it as to offer a lament, much as Hurston did, for what has been lost—especially in the South.

This sense of hope and loss is fully displayed in her new book, The House of Being . Weaving together memoir and history, poetry and prose, intimate details from her life and more general observations about the South, the book is a testament to Trethewey’s command of language and her willingness to confront those difficult periods in her life that transformed her. A monologue, a work of biography, an essay on literature and memory, a prose poem full of lyrical dexterity, and a reflection on who she is in a society that has actively tried to partition people based on race, The House of Being is ultimately a study of maturation, of becoming an adult, and of how the early experiences of life can shape you for years to come.

Born in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 1966, Trethewey begins her story at the beginning—with her parents’ marriage. Her Black mother, Gwendolyn Ann Turnbough, was from Gulfport; her white father, Eric Trethewey, was from Canada. In 1967, an interracial couple, Richard and Mildred Loving, brought a Supreme Court case against Virginia’s anti-miscegenation law, hoping that their marital union could be recognized—and to the surprise of many Americans, they won. But Turnbough and Trethewey had married two years earlier, and the poem “Miscegenation,” which their daughter republishes in The House of Being , captures what was at stake:

In 1965 my parents broke two laws of Mississippi; they went to Ohio to marry, returned to Mississippi.

Trethewey’s subsequent birth, while not illegal in its own right, also posed a provocation to the Southern social order: For if her parents’ marriage was deemed illegitimate in the eyes of the State of Mississippi, so was young Natasha. White people in Mississippi would stare at her parents with detestation, and some would call her “mongrel” and “half-breed.” To overcome their animosity, young Trethewey turned to literature: “I learned then from the experience of Odysseus… that it would take cleverness to outpace whatever obstacles stood before me.” The twists and turns of language captivated her. The sinewy words of her mother and grandmother speaking African American vernacular sparked an unending interest in how humans express themselves. At the same time, she thought she could see how society’s racial hierarchies mapped onto the languages spoken around her.

Trethewey’s first home was an intergenerational amalgamation that included her parents and grandmother. Slightly outside Gulfport’s city limits, the family house was in a community once known as Griswold, land settled by formerly enslaved African Americans after the Civil War. It was in this vicinity that Trethewey and her parents were exposed to the fungibility of a semi-rural landscape: red-wing blackbirds soaring through the sky, cows grazing near her backyard, or even the “cracked shell on an old turtle.”

After her parents divorced, Natasha and her mother moved to Atlanta so that her mother could begin graduate school. While her memories of her father during these years were idyllic, those of her stepfather were different. He physically abused her mother, which Natasha only found out about years later—but even then, she sensed something was wrong, and in the years to come she would be haunted by it. As she writes in her poem “What Is Evidence,”

Not the fleeting bruises she’d cover with make-up, a dark patch as if imprint of a scope she’d pressed her eye too close to, looking for a way out

The worst, however, was still to come: In 1985, her stepfather murdered her mother. These moments of sorrow reappear and add to her unrelenting desire to write about her past.

From these early experiences in a South slowly shedding its Jim Crow past, the young Trethewey became an adult—and a writer. She not only understood “the sanctity of books” but felt at home through the concealments of metaphor and the ambiguities of language. In other words, she also became a poet.

Trethewey studied English literature at the University of Georgia and earned an MFA at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. While her educational course might sound conventional for a contemporary writer, as one probes deeper into her story in The House of Being , one begins to see how unusual her literary education was. Along with her early exposure to her mother and grandmother’s way of speaking, she also had a poet in the family: her father. As a child, Trethewey recalls, her father would read stories to her that “must have taken root in my psyche, establishing early on the pattern to which my own journey would conform.”

The experiences of her mother in the South also contributed to Trethewey’s interest in writing and her skills as a poet. Her mother, she recalls in The House of Being , was always “showing me how to signify, how to use received forms to challenge the dominant cultural narrative of our native geography.”

Flannery O’Connor once wrote: “Where you came from is gone. Where you thought you were going to never was there. And where you are is no good unless you can get away from it.” For Trethewey, the dislocation of her early years led her to find a home in the written word. Poetry became a way to create regions for herself; it was also a way to examine the cyclical anguish, the loss, the trauma, and the hopes of living in a region and a country more generally that was legally and then structurally defined by the experience of race.

Over the years, Trethewey became a memoirist and poet determined to render meaning out of these facts of her life. In her collection Thrall , she probed the afterlife of captivity. In Native Guard , she mourned her mother’s death and considered the Southern world they shared. Lines in her poetry tend to jostle between life and history, relationships and regions, the experience of race and the making of it. The death of her mother would in particular come to haunt her, and she turned to prose to make sense of that, as well. In Memorial Drive , her 2020 memoir, she told the story of her mother’s life and death. A study of her relationship with her mother, the book was also a study of her mother’s relationships, of the moments of domestic bliss and the harrowing ones of domestic violence—about race-making in America and how Black women become vulnerable to abuse. “If I was with my father, I measured the polite responses from white people, the way they addressed him as ‘Sir’ or ‘Mister.’ Whereas my mother would be called ‘Gal,’ never ‘Miss’ or ‘Ma’am,’ as I had been taught was proper.” The polarizing experiences of her parents were part of an accruement of observations about the linguistic practice of racial identity—how people are read or made.

In The House of Being , Trethewey revisits many of these early memories, but from a different angle: She is primarily interested in telling the story of her native region, the South. “The ‘Solid South,’” she writes, “was a society based on the myths of innate racial difference, a hierarchy based on notions of supremacy, the language used to articulate that thinking was rooted in the unique experience of white southerners.” As with her mother’s story, so, too, with the story of the South: It has haunted her ever since she was a young person pushing against the Confederate realities and fictions that persisted in the region—whether through Jim Crow laws or groups like the Daughters of the Confederacy or the monuments memorializing the glory of Southern Civil War generals.

The Nation Weekly

In The House of Being , Trethewey seeks to break through these myths and tell a different story about the South. “I am reminded again of the moment in Black Boy when Richard Wright declares he wants to be a writer,” she writes, “and what it means to have someone with a kind of dominion over you try to diminish you by telling you what you cannot do or be.” Like Wright, and much like Hurston before him, Trethewey wants to show what has been lost by telling only one story about the South, and what might be gained by telling another.

Trethewey does this in several bold and original ways. Literalizing her interest in her home region, she considers how the design of Southern homes was influenced by African and Afro-Caribbean architecture. Her grandmother’s shotgun house conveys a story not just about the period it was made in, but also a much longer history. “The long-house format,” she notes, “is a legacy of West African architecture, brought to America by both free and enslaved peoples who arrived in New Orleans from Haiti, after the Revolution in 1804.”

Trethewey also describes the darker side of the American South during the height of the civil rights movement. One of her first memories of “domestic terrorism” occurred at a young age, well before she congealed every incident that happened during the 1960s. After the African American church adjacent to her grandmother’s house led a voter registration drive in Gulfport, an unknown person (most likely white) burned a cross on the plot of land that bordered the church and her grandmother’s house. This racially coded act of hatred was frightening and had a clear message in terms of the violence it conveyed, but it was also ambiguous: It left Trethewey retroactively wondering whether it was motivated by the voter drive or by her interracial household. Such ghosts stalk The House of Being , rambling through its corridors and stairways. Memories, Trethewey reminds us, raise questions that do not always have answers. The South is a place that is simultaneously welcoming and inimical, a home to millions and yet also a hostile land.

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At times, I wondered if The House of Being needed a more cohesive narrative arc—a clear beginning, middle, and end. The text is often elliptical, circling back on memories and skipping ahead to new and unfamiliar territory. Often it invokes previous books and poems that Trethewey has written, as well as pasts that some of us may need to be more familiar with. This can be invigorating but also frustrating. Yet for Trethewey, the labyrinthine nature of the book is intended to match form with content: Her desire is not to offer a clean and linear narrative. Instead, she wants to tell a story about the South that is full of messiness and confusion. “Writing,” Trethewey notes near the end of the book, “is a way of creating order out of chaos, of taking charge of one’s own story, being the sovereign of the self by pushing back against received knowledge and guarding the sanctity of the dwelling place of the imagination.”

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Edna Bonhomme

Edna Bonhomme, a historian of science and writer based in Berlin, Germany, is the author of the forthcoming A History of the World in Six Plagues . She is a contributing writer for Frieze magazine.

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The Secret to Tom Wolfe’s Irresistible Snap, Crackle and Pop

How the author of “The Right Stuff,” “Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers” and other classics turned sociology into art.

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This black-and-white photo shows a clean-shaven young man in a light-colored suit and tie and white saddle shoes, posing nonchalantly against a streetlight at a busy crossroads in Midtown Manhattan.

By David Brooks

David Brooks is an Opinion columnist for The Times. This essay is adapted from his introduction to a new edition of “Radical Chic and Mau-Mauing the Flak Catchers,” to be published by Picador this month.

There are certain writers you should never read before you yourself sit down to write, like P.G. Wodehouse and Tom Wolfe. For if you do, you will not be able to get their voices and rhythms out of your head, and you will have to confront the absolute certainty that you can’t pull off what they did. In Wolfe’s case you’ll find that you can’t quite replicate the raw energy of his prose: the fun; the snap, crackle, pop; the fuzzy effusions of new sociological categories — masters of the universe, social X-rays.

And then there’s his sheer audacity. His essay “Radical Chic” — about a cocktail party the conductor Leonard Bernstein and his wife, Felicia, threw for the Black Panthers in 1970 — begins with Bernstein waking up in the middle of the night in a state of wild alarm. He had mentioned having a bad dream in an interview somewhere, and Wolfe took that little autobiographical morsel and spun it into a grand tour through the inside of Bernstein’s brain. Any responsible journalist can report, “Bernstein had a nightmare,” but Wolfe has the guts to take a flight of fancy and describe the nightmare from the inside, with its moments of narcissistic grandiosity and its descent into degrading humiliation.

Wolfe was known for his style, but it was his worldview that made him. He read Max Weber at Yale and it all clicked : Life is a contest for status. Some people think humans are driven by money, or love, or to heal the wounds they suffered in childhood, but Wolfe put the relentless scramble up the pecking order at the center of his worldview. It gave him his brilliant eye for surfaces, for the care with which people put on their social displays. He had the ability to name the status rules that envelop us in ways we are hardly aware of. He had a knack for capturing what it feels like to be caught up in a certain sort of social dilemma.

He was drawn to times and places where the status rules were shifting. His book “The Right Stuff,” about the U.S. space program, takes place at such a moment. Before, the combat pilots were the tippy-top alpha males in the world of flight, but then along came the astronauts to knock them off their perch. In “Radical Chic,” you can catch glimpses of the old blue-blood Protestant elite — the Astors, the Whitneys, the Rockefellers. But this is 1970. A new crowd is beginning to displace them: the Bernsteins, Barbara Walters. The members of this rising elite have often made their money in culture and the media, and include the formerly unthinkables — Catholics, Jews, Black people.

The old aristocrats had it so easy, those stately bankers in the J.P. Morgan mold. They may have been frequently bewildered about why the masses didn’t like them, but their own place in the social aristocracy was secure. It was right there in their bloodlines — the generations of grandees stretching back centuries. The status rules were simple. All you had to do was live like an English earl and collect European culture by the boatload, and you could cruise through Manhattan amid the sound of others bowing and scraping.

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As a Teenager in Europe, I Went to Nudist Beaches All the Time. 30 Years Later, Would the Experience Be the Same?

Image may contain Princess Antonia of Luxembourg Sandro Botticelli Art Painting Adult Person and Wedding

In July 2017, I wrote an article about toplessness for Vogue Italia. The director, actor, and political activist Lina Esco had emerged from the world of show business to question public nudity laws in the United States with 2014’s Free the Nipple . Her film took on a life of its own and, thanks to the endorsement from the likes of Miley Cyrus, Cara Delevingne, and Willow Smith, eventually developed into a whole political movement, particularly on social media where the hashtag #FreeTheNipple spread at lightning speed. The same year as that piece, actor Alyssa Milano tweeted “me too” and encouraged others who had been sexually assaulted to do the same, building on the movement activist Tarana Burke had created more than a decade earlier. The rest is history.

In that Vogue article, I chatted with designer Alessandro Michele about a shared memory of our favorite topless beaches of our youth. Anywhere in Italy where water appeared—be it the hard-partying Riviera Romagnola, the traditionally chic Amalfi coast and Sorrento peninsula, the vertiginous cliffs and inlets of Italy’s continuation of the French Côte d’Azur or the towering volcanic rocks of Sicily’s mythological Riviera dei Ciclopi—one was bound to find bodies of all shapes and forms, naturally topless.

In the ’90s, growing up in Italy, naked breasts were everywhere and nobody thought anything about it. “When we look at our childhood photos we recognize those imperfect breasts and those bodies, each with their own story. I think of the ‘un-beauty’ of that time and feel it is actually the ultimate beauty,” Michele told me.

Indeed, I felt the same way. My relationship with toplessness was part of a very democratic cultural status quo. If every woman on the beaches of the Mediterranean—from the sexy girls tanning on the shoreline to the grandmothers eating spaghetti al pomodoro out of Tupperware containers under sun umbrellas—bore equally naked body parts, then somehow we were all on the same team. No hierarchies were established. In general, there was very little naked breast censorship. Free nipples appeared on magazine covers at newsstands, whether tabloids or art and fashion magazines. Breasts were so naturally part of the national conversation and aesthetic that Ilona Staller (also known as Cicciolina) and Moana Pozzi, two porn stars, cofounded a political party called the Love Party. I have a clear memory of my neighbor hanging their party’s banner out his window, featuring a topless Cicciolina winking.

A lot has changed since those days, but also since that initial 2017 piece. There’s been a feminist revolution, a transformation of women’s fashion and gender politics, the absurd overturning of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 rape conviction in New York, the intensely disturbing overturning of Roe v Wade and the current political battle over reproductive rights radiating from America and far beyond. One way or another, the female body is very much the site of political battles as much as it is of style and fashion tastes. And maybe for this reason naked breasts seem to populate runways and street style a lot more than they do beaches—it’s likely that being naked at a dinner party leaves more of a permanent mark than being naked on a glamorous shore. Naked “dressing” seems to be much more popular than naked “being.” It’s no coincidence that this year Saint Laurent, Chloé, Ferragamo, Tom Ford, Gucci, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, and Valentino all paid homage to sheer dressing in their collections, with lacy dresses, see-through tops, sheer silk hosiery fabric, and close-fitting silk dresses. The majority of Anthony Vaccarello’s fall 2024 collection was mostly transparent. And even off the runway, guests at the Saint Laurent show matched the mood. Olivia Wilde appeared in a stunning see-through dark bodysuit, Georgia May Jagger wore a sheer black halter top, Ebony Riley wore a breathtaking V-neck, and Elsa Hosk went for translucent polka dots.

In some strange way, it feels as if the trends of the ’90s have swapped seats with those of today. When, in 1993, a 19-year-old Kate Moss wore her (now iconic) transparent, bronze-hued Liza Bruce lamé slip dress to Elite Model Agency’s Look of the Year Awards in London, I remember seeing her picture everywhere and feeling in awe of her daring and grace. I loved her simple sexy style, with her otherworldly smile, the hair tied back in a bun. That very slip has remained in the collective unconscious for decades, populating thousands of internet pages, but in remembering that night Moss admitted that the nude look was totally unintentional: “I had no idea why everyone was so excited—in the darkness of Corinne [Day’s] Soho flat, the dress was not see-through!” That’s to say that nude dressing was usually mostly casual and not intellectualized in the context of a larger movement.

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But today nudity feels loaded in different ways. In April, actor and author Julia Fox appeared in Los Angeles in a flesh-colored bra that featured hairy hyper-realist prints of breasts and nipples, and matching panties with a print of a sewn-up vagina and the words “closed” on it, as a form of feminist performance art. Breasts , an exhibition curated by Carolina Pasti, recently opened as part of the 60th Venice Biennale at Palazzo Franchetti and showcases works that span from painting and sculpture to photography and film, reflecting on themes of motherhood, empowerment, sexuality, body image, and illness. The show features work by Cindy Sherman, Robert Mapplethorpe, Louise Bourgeois, and an incredible painting by Bernardino Del Signoraccio of Madonna dell’Umiltà, circa 1460-1540. “It was fundamental for me to include a Madonna Lactans from a historical perspective. In this intimate representation, the Virgin reveals one breast while nurturing the child, the organic gesture emphasizing the profound bond between mother and child,” Pasti said when we spoke.

Through her portrayal of breasts, she delves into the delicate balance of strength and vulnerability within the female form. I spoke to Pasti about my recent musings on naked breasts, which she shared in a deep way. I asked her whether she too noticed a disparity between nudity on beaches as opposed to the one on streets and runways, and she agreed. Her main concern today is around censorship. To Pasti, social media is still far too rigid around breast exposure and she plans to discuss this issue through a podcast that she will be launching in September, together with other topics such as motherhood, breastfeeding, sexuality, and breast cancer awareness.

With summer at the door, it was my turn to see just how much of the new reread on transparency would apply to beach life. In the last few years, I noticed those beaches Michele and I reminisced about have grown more conservative and, despite being the daughter of unrepentant nudists and having a long track record of militant topless bathing, I myself have felt a bit more shy lately. Perhaps a woman in her 40s with two children is simply less prone to taking her top off, but my memories of youth are populated by visions of bare-chested mothers surveilling the coasts and shouting after their kids in the water. So when did we stop? And why? When did Michele’s era of “un-beauty” end?

In order to get back in touch with my own naked breasts I decided to revisit the nudist beaches of my youth to see what had changed. On a warm day in May, I researched some local topless beaches around Rome and asked a friend to come with me. Two moms, plus our four children, two girls and two boys of the same ages. “Let’s make an experiment of this and see what happens,” I proposed.

The kids all yawned, but my friend was up for it. These days to go topless, especially on urban beaches, you must visit properties that have an unspoken nudist tradition. One of these in Rome is the natural reserve beach at Capocotta, south of Ostia, but I felt a bit unsure revisiting those sands. In my memory, the Roman nudist beaches often equated to encounters with promiscuous strangers behind the dunes. I didn’t want to expose the kids, so, being that I am now a wise adult, I went ahead and picked a compromise. I found a nude-friendly beach on the banks of the Farfa River, in the rolling Sabina hills.

We piled into my friend’s car and drove out. The kids were all whining about the experiment. “We don’t want to see naked mums!” they complained. “Can’t you just lie and say you went to a nudist beach?”

We parked the car and walked across the medieval fairy-tale woods until we reached the path that ran along the river. All around us were huge trees and gigantic leaves. It had rained a lot recently and the vegetation had grown incredibly. We walked past the remains of a Roman road. The colors all around were bright green, the sky almost fluorescent blue. The kids got sidetracked by the presence of frogs. According to the indications, the beach was about a mile up the river. Halfway down the path, we bumped into a couple of young guys in fanny packs. I scanned them for signs of quintessential nudist attitude, but realized I actually had no idea what that was. I asked if we were headed in the right direction to go to “the beach”. They nodded and gave us a sly smile, which I immediately interpreted as a judgment about us as mothers, and more generally about our age, but I was ready to vindicate bare breasts against ageism.

We reached a small pebbled beach, secluded and bordered by a huge trunk that separated it from the path. A group of girls was there, sharing headphones and listening to music. To my dismay they were all wearing the tops and bottoms of their bikinis. One of them was in a full-piece bathing suit and shorts. “See, they are all wearing bathing suits. Please don’t be the weird mums who don’t.”

At this point, it was a matter of principle. My friend and I decided to take our bathing suits off completely, if only for a moment, and jumped into the river. The boys stayed on the beach with full clothes and shoes on, horrified. The girls went in behind us with their bathing suits. “Are you happy now? my son asked. “Did you prove your point?”

I didn’t really know what my point actually was. I think a part of me wanted to feel entitled to those long-gone decades of naturalism. Whether this was an instinct, or as Pasti said, “an act that was simply tied to the individual freedom of each woman”, it was hard to tell. At this point in history, the two things didn’t seem to cancel each other out—in fact, the opposite. Taking off a bathing suit, at least for my generation who never had to fight for it, had unexpectedly turned into a radical move and maybe I wanted to be part of the new discourse. Also, the chances of me going out in a fully sheer top were slim these days, but on the beach it was different. I would always fight for an authentic topless experience.

After our picnic on the river, we left determined to make our way—and without children—to the beaches of Capocotta. In truth, no part of me actually felt very subversive doing something I had been doing my whole life, but it still felt good. Once a free breast, always a free breast.

This article was originally published on British Vogue .

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Lebanon has made survival an art form, after decades of war and unrest

Research Scholar, Centre for Arab and Islamic Studies, Australian National University

Disclosure statement

Ian Parmeter does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

Australian National University provides funding as a member of The Conversation AU.

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I first visited Lebanon in 1978, three years into the civil war and six years before Theodore Ell was born. I mention this because, despite the fact our experiences of this fascinating country were at different times, his impressions and judgements in his excellent new book Lebanon Days – which spans the tumultuous period from 2018 to 2021 – accord very much with my own.

At the time of my first visit, I was studying Arabic in Cairo at the behest of the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. DFA (no “T” on the acronym in those days) was seeking to increase its Middle East expertise in the wake of the massive rise in oil prices engineered by Gulf oil producers following the 1973 Arab–Israeli war .

My department had approved the trip to enable me to broaden my knowledge of the Middle East and to practise Arabic in different environments where that devilishly difficult language is spoken. This was travel on the cheap through Lebanon, Syria and Jordan over three weeks – using “service” taxis (taxis with several passengers) and staying in hotels that would struggle to earn a half-star rating.

The point was to have full immersion in environments where little or no English was spoken, and I would have to make myself understood in Arabic for all the practicalities of daily life.

Book Review: Lebanon Days by Theodore Ell (Atlantic)

Beirut: a city divided

Before flying to Beirut, I consulted books on the region in the Cairo embassy’s library. Those on Lebanon predated the civil war: I was struck by the beauty of Beirut’s centre, particularly Martyrs’ Square (which features several times in Ell’s book), with large palm trees on its eastern and western sides.

At Beirut airport, just south of the city, I hailed a taxi and asked the driver in “ fus’ha ” (formal) Arabic to take me to Martyrs’ Square. He looked at me in surprise – I assumed because my Arabic was not the “ aarmi ” (colloquial) dialect he was used to. But there was another reason. When we arrived at the square, all the palm trees had been shorn off about a metre from the ground, by high-velocity bullets.

I had stumbled onto the “green line” dividing Beirut’s east and west, the main fighting arena of the war. The taxi driver was clearly nervous about being near the square and, as a Muslim, would not take me into the Christian east.

In subsequent years, I visited Beirut several times during the war. I worked there for three years in the late 1990s, when the country seemed for a few years to be getting back on its feet.

While posted in Damascus, capital of Syria, in the mid-1980s, I periodically went to Beirut with another staff member to carry out various official tasks during breaks in the fighting. If we stayed in West Beirut, we usually slept in the then-closed embassy building. As a precaution we used to drag mattresses from bedrooms into the internal hallway, to minimise the risk of being peppered with shattered glass if an explosion happened near the building.

Another vivid memory of that time is being invited by a Lebanese businessman to lunch in one of Beirut’s finest restaurants. The food was French and the interior décor was what one might expect in an upscale European restaurant. The only detraction from a delightful dining experience was that the restaurant windows were covered with sandbags.

The 2019 revolution

The Taif Accord of October 1989 is generally seen as the formal end of the war. But even then, René Moawad , Lebanon’s first postwar president, served for only 18 days before unknown assailants assassinated him on 22 November that year.

Rafiq Hariri , prime minister for six years during the 1990s, invested much of his own personal fortune in the postwar reconstruction of Beirut. During that time, he invited other businessmen to pay a voluntary tax of 10% of their income to the state to assist with financing the reconstruction.

I recall a business acquaintance telling me he regarded this request as a joke – no one would pay such a tax. I asked how he expected the state to finance schools, hospitals and roads without taxes. He responded that in Australia I could reasonably assume my tax payments would go to these purposes. In Lebanon, such payments would end up in Swiss banks.

In Lebanon Days, Ell recounts many such stories, based on his experiences accompanying his wife, Caitlin, an Australian diplomat on a posting at our embassy in Beirut.

His time there included the economic devastation caused by the collapse in the value of the Lebanese pound. The Lebanese Central Bank had kept the value of the pound artificially high at 1,507.5 to the US dollar from 1999 to 2019. This distorted the economy by making imports artificially cheap and exports expensive, hampering development of export industries and causing unsustainable deficits to accumulate.

The policy depended on the Central Bank being able to obtain dollars more cheaply than it sold them, in order to maintain the pound’s value. It was a confidence trick doomed to eventual failure, which happened in October 2019. The result was social meltdown – thowra or revolution, involving riots over months. People from all of Lebanon’s 18 religious sects were affected equally, and protesters of all faiths gathered in Martyrs’ Square to shout slogans and sing protest songs. According to Ell, one such slogan described Lebanon as “a nation of sheep, run by wolves, owned by pigs”.

Then, in early 2020, Covid struck the country: Ell and Caitlin included. But that did not stop the revolution, which finally culminated in another disaster waiting to happen – the horrific explosion in Beirut’s port in August 2020, from negligent storing of a vast quantity of ammonium nitrate.

Ell won the 2021 Calibre Essay Prize for his essay published in Australian Book Review, in which he described the explosion and its impact on residents of the city in vivid detail. He expands on that detail in his book. I was particularly impressed with his comment that the ammonium nitrate had not been moved to safer storage because no one had worked out how to make money from it.

Ell’s book exudes reality to anyone who has lived in Lebanon. He describes vividly the Lebanese sense of fun, the nightclubs in East Beirut where patrons could drink and dance till dawn – and had done even in the depths of the civil war.

The flip side was the determination of Lebanese people to maintain appearances as the economy collapsed around them. Those who had frequented chic shopping malls but no longer had money for anything more than basic essentials would continue to walk the aisles of the malls – buying nothing, but carrying a luxury brand shopping bag to suggest that they had.

The war that did not end

Early in Lebanon Days, Ell makes the valid point that the civil war did not end: it simply became invisible. As he describes it, “Lebanon’s religious differences refined alienation into a way of life”.

Particularly telling is his account of Genevieve, a Maronite Christian woman, who “told us, in all candour, as though it were obvious things could be no other way, that she had never met a Muslim”. Genevieve “spoke as though the number of Muslims in her country – in her entire region of the world – was not a reality of history, an intrinsic part of life, but something offensive and noxious to be resisted”.

To make the Taif Agreement work, a national unity government was formed in the early 1990s, comprising the various sectarian leaders who had prosecuted the war. The main hold-out from this arrangement was Samir Geagea, the leader of the Lebanese Forces , a Christian militia. Geagea objected to continuing Syrian influence in the country’s governance. In 1994, he was arrested and jailed for crimes allegedly committed during the war. No such charges were laid against other ministers, who could have been accused of similar crimes.

I recall the US Ambassador in 1997 invited a group of Lebanese politicians and some Western ambassadors to his residence to brief a US congressional delegation on these postwar arrangements.

A congressman asked if the Lebanese had held a “truth and reconciliation commission” after the war, in the way South Africa had after the abolition of apartheid. One of the guests was the mercurial Druze leader, Walid Jumblatt , at the time a minister. He immediately responded, “No, we were more sophisticated in Lebanon. We put all the war criminals in the Cabinet, and any war criminal who refused to become a minister was put in jail.” Amid the laughter, the US ambassador explained to the bemused delegation that was pretty much what had happened.

Conspiracy theories

Ell constructs his narrative chronologically, but with a preface that explains how Lebanon became the country it is.

He describes the remarkable stelae (standing stone slabs used in the ancient world as markers) on the rock face near the Dog River, just north of Beirut. Each stela records an invader – from Ramses II of Egypt through to the Romans, the Ottomans, the French under Napoleon III and a contingent of the Australian Imperial Force, whose plaque records their campaign against Vichy French forces in Lebanon in 1941.

He describes the conspiracy theories espoused by Lebanese as a result of the constant threat of Israeli military action. That has usually followed attacks on Israel by Hezbollah, the Shia militia better armed than the Lebanese Army, over which the government has no authority. Sonic booms from Israeli aircraft breaking the sound barrier over Beirut cause instinctive searches for places to shelter.

Ell concludes the book with a sad account of his and Caitlin’s departure. They had made many Lebanese friends, but many of them were leaving as well. The only ones reasonably happy to remain had dual citizenship, which gave them a foreign bolthole in the event of another disaster.

The book is well presented. It includes a map showing places mentioned in the narrative, a useful historical timeline, a glossary of Arabic terms and a guide to further reading.

Lebanon Days is a meditation on a country that never leaves its visitors unaffected. Ell is a gifted writer: his prose is unaffected, precise and elegant. He has taken the drama of his three years in Lebanon to illuminate this fascinating country’s past – and to point to a future that for now looks bleak, particularly with the ever-present threat of war between Israel and Hezbollah. But what emerges as well is the resilience of the people. This paradoxical country has made survival an art form.

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