Why People Read (part 1)

Books? Are they going out of style?

Back in my early school days, we had a mandatory period of silent reading. Today it’s referred to as sustained silent reading (SSR). I don’t remember the length of time back then, only that I was distracted by whatever my best friend was doing and hoping to make eye contact with her without getting caught by the teacher.

In junior high my mother introduced me to author Phyllis A. Whitney, and my novel reading skyrocketed. During college, I started reading biblically based nonfiction, Mere Christianity, by C.S. Lewis, and others. But Healing the Wounded Spirit, by John & Paula Sandfords started me on a whole new path, and I travel it even deeper today.

Thus my tagline: Fiction that mends souls

Here’s why. Readers get to flesh out the characters, their emotions and motives. Somehow my mind applies the nonfiction I’ve read and helps make sense of the real world. I automatically apply the skills taught in the nonfiction, and critical thinking takes on a whole new role—without the distraction of physical people disrupting my train of thought. This combination has the ability to help readers interact with real-life culture(s) and relationships.

All that to say, “fiction” might be an inappropriate designation because the well-written novels are neither fake or superficial.

The Benefits of Reading

“Reading is the best way to relax and even six minutes can be enough to reduce the stress levels by more than two thirds (68%), according to new research…” University of Sussex

AFTER 6 MINUTES of uninterrupted reading, your heart rate slows and muscle tension eases. By 30-45 minutes, you deepen empathy, heighten concentration, enhance comprehension (of complex material), improve listening skills, and enrich vocabulary. So turn off your phone and music and keep reading!

STUDIES HAVE SHOWN: “Reading text punctuated with links leads to weaker comprehension than reading plain text.”  Yikes!

TO DO: add ‘trips to the library/bookstore’ to my calendar.

Here’s an interesting article on the advantages of reading fiction ←click

Have you been putting off writing that book?

Wait no longer! Get started by checking out J.A.’s “Writing Mentor” page.

The Way of the Embattled Spirit

Tune in next week for “Why People Read part 2”

Here’s a fascinating 3-minute video on “reading parties” from WSJ Silent Reading