As we celebrate National Tell a Story Day on 27th and Great Poetry Reading Day on 28th, this question arises.

Why Read Books?

For the consummate reader this is an easy question to answer - the love of story, the chance to 'escape' into a narrative, to indulge in a favorite genre, or author, to go beyond the words on the page etc. But, what about the physical and psychological benefits? It is proven that reading makes you smarter, relaxes you, lessens stress, eases muscle tension, increases the brain's blood flow and improves connectivity.

For example, through solving a 'case' in a mystery, or crime novel you are detecting patterns, problem solving and improving your analytical thinking. Reading also helps us practice concentration longer than the milliseconds of scrolling.

Other benefits include an increase in your vocabulary - finding a 'new' word allows us to use it correctly and articulate it in conversation. The plot of a novel can start a conversation about that specific story, or the author, or the genre. With narratives from an opposing world views, we broaden our perspective on historical events, politics, customs, spiritualties, cultural knowledge, economics, factual knowledge, and different intellects.

Ten Benefits IN SHORT ARE:

1. Increasing our vocabulary.
2. Reducing stress. 
3. Healthier and restful sleep. 
4. Prevention of cognitive decline.
5. A form of free entertainment.
6. Enhances our empathy.
7. We live longer - A Yale study proved daily reading increases our lives by 23 months or longer.
8. Allows broader perspectives.
9. Books are companions.
10. Books and stories are inspiration.

It is also a way to increase our social connections and interactions through book clubs, book swaps, attending author readings, finding our people in a local bookstore, and participation in book fairs etc.

Fact:

The reading of spoken language is a natural, biological form of human communication, which is over 6 million years old.

For me as a reader and writer, I am drawn to any book title with library, or bookstore in it - obvious I suppose. I think many bibliophile's dream of owning a bookstore. Although, I will also read novels that are in a similar genre to one I am writing (or planning to write). This is research to see how the story is crafted, what commonalities they have and that undefinable magic that draws a reader in. I am an eclectic reader bouncing between many genres, but every book draws me into story - characters, places and circumstances and that's the beauty of a book.

When you read what benefits do you encounter?

What draws you into a book?