“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”
― Ernest Hemingway
How I fell in love with books
Growing up I was constantly surrounded by books. My father was a keen reader and would mostly read non fiction, mainly gangster biographies. When I was old enough, I would sneak upstairs and read them. I learned a great deal about the premier gangsters of the world and also picked up the bug of reading. My next stop was pretty standard among young male readers, The lord of the rings, Terry Pratchett and Harry Potter were my staples until my teens. I am very picky when it comes to fiction and as my tastes grew I began to read the greats.
Hemingway, twain, dickens, Steinbeck, anyone who had a reputation of being a great story teller I read, and I wasn’t disappointed. books had given me great joy but I never was fully in love with them, that is until a teacher gave me a list of books he thought I might like. Remember this was before the rise of google so you couldn’t just search for them.
The books he recommended were from a genre called self help. I had never heard of the genre but I was intrigued. The covers were plain and compared to my usual reads, seemed boring. The list comprised of five books
- 48 laws of power by Robert Greene
- Awaken the giant within by Tony Robbins
- 7 habits of highly effective people by Stephen covey
- Eat that frog by Brian Tracy
- How to win friends and influence people by Dale Carnegie
I eventually got all of these but the first two I got at a local book store were awaken the giant within and how to win friends. I was amazed at how in depth these two authors go into human conditions. They talked about things I never learned in school like mindset, habits, N.L.P, belief systems. I was hooked from the first paragraph. In these books I had experts showing me how to become a better version of myself and I wanted to know it all.
Every spare bit of money I got I spent it on self help books. From stoicism and relationship advice, to habits and spirituality. 15 years on from my first encounter with a self help book and I have learned so much and am still scouring the bookshelves for any gems I might have missed. Me and self help books are gonna be together to the very end.
How reading improves your brain
Reading books can have several positive effects on the brain and cognitive function. Here are some ways in which books can contribute to brain improvement:
Cognitive stimulation
Reading engages various cognitive functions, such as attention, memory, and problem-solving. As your brain processes the information from the text, it stimulates different areas, enhancing overall cognitive function.
Vocabulary expansion
Exposure to a wide range of words and expressions while reading helps to build and expand your vocabulary. A richer vocabulary can improve communication skills and make it easier for you to express ideas and understand others.
Critical thinking
Books often present complex ideas, diverse perspectives, and nuanced situations. Engaging with these elements encourages critical thinking and the ability to analyse and evaluate information, fostering a more discerning mind.
Knowledge acquisition
Reading introduces you to new concepts, information, and ideas. Whether fiction or non-fiction, books allow you to explore different worlds, cultures, and disciplines, contributing to a broader understanding of the world.
Stress reduction
Reading can be a form of escapism, providing a mental break from the stresses of everyday life. Immersing yourself in a good book can reduce stress levels and improve mental well-being.
Empathy development
Fiction, in particular, allows readers to step into the shoes of characters with different experiences and perspectives. This can enhance empathy by fostering a better understanding of others’ feelings and motivations.
Improved focus and concentration
Reading requires sustained attention and focus. Regular reading can help train your brain to concentrate on a task for an extended period, improving overall attention span and concentration.
Memory improvement
The act of reading and remembering characters, plots, and details in a story exercises your memory. This can contribute to better short-term and long-term memory capabilities.
Enhanced imagination and creativity
Engaging with the imaginative worlds presented in literature stimulates your own creativity. It encourages you to visualize scenes, characters, and events, fostering a more vivid imagination.
