Tuesday, August 27, 2024

A Novel Idea: An Essay About Books


Books have been helping introverts avoid conversation since 1448 (German inventor and craftsman Johann Gutenberg's invention of the printing press) and keeping readers up past their bedtime with just one more chapter by candlelight, lamp, booklight and sometimes a flashlight under the covers. 

The recent celebration of National Book Lovers Day celebrated on August 9th inspired me to write a brief essay on, you guessed it, books. As if bookworms need a reason to talk about or commemorate their fondness for books. A few other notable 'book' related holidays are:

  • Library Lovers Day (February 14th)
  • National Write Your Story Day (March 14th)
  • National Read a Book Day (September 6th) - my personal favorite! 

In case you need a more convincing reason, reading just 6 minutes a day can reduce stress by 68%.  Other benefits of reading: 

  • Can also improve vocabulary
  • Increase writing skills
  • Help to develop empathy
  • Improves memory
  • Boosts knowledge and brainpower 
  • Improves your focus and concentration

In this 21st century, modern age of technology you can listen to audiobooks, read digitial/E-books on your kindle or choose the good old-fashioned book in your hands. There's nothing quite like the feel of a book in your hands. You're not limited to one style of reading. I often go between reading paperbacks and audiobooks.

I couldn't resist including a few of my favorite quotes about books:

  1. You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me." C.S. Lewis
  2. "Some books are so familiar that reading them is like being home again." Louisa May Alcott 
  3. "If a book is well written I always find it too short." Jane Austen
  4. "No two persons ever read the same book." Edmund Wilson 
  5. "Reading is a conversation. All books talk. But a good book listens well." Mark Haddon 

I hope these quotes and scientific facts inspire you to pick up a book and dive into the experience! What are you waiting for? Adventure awaits you in the pages of a story.  

Reading is adventure,

Emilee 





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