[ad_1]
Why are you reading? Not just today’s newspaper articles or this particular column, but what prompts you to choose a good novel, immerse yourself in a recently published dissertation, or closely follow an essay on how making the perfect grilled cheese sandwich?
One possible answer: “Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body,” said Joseph Addison, English poet, playwright and politician, who wrote this quote about 300 years ago.
But more recent scientific studies suggest that reading does more than activate the psyche. It actually makes us noticeably smarter, increases blood flow, and boosts connectivity in the brain. Researchers at Stanford University have found that “paying attention to literary texts requires the coordination of several complex cognitive functions.”
As we get older our cognitive functions can become disorganized and I rejoice that reading an interesting book can make me more organized overall. Marie Condo’s book “The Magic of Storage That Changes Life” is a particularly good and slightly ironic example.
Reading introduces us to new ways of looking at the world. It encourages active problem solving. Lately I’ve found that if I read engaging fiction, I imagine how it might end and I am encouraged if I accurately anticipate it. Although I have an even better feeling – a combination of disbelief and respect for the author’s ingenuity – when the ending surprises me. JoJo Moyes’ “The Giver of Stars” is a wonderful example of historical fiction with a rather unpredictable ending.
Reading gives you more to discuss with others. If you read something on a topic you agree with, it gives you extra conversation ammo. If you discipline yourself to read something that you feel opposed to, you broaden your worldview, encourage self-examination, and do better with the quick reply when you find yourself in a conversational debate.
This week I’m reading “Peril” by Bob Woodward and Robert Costa. I’m on page 74. Each page I read gives me a better appreciation of the title of the book.
Reading increases your knowledge of history, geography, and culture, as one reader put it, “without an expensive plane trip.” If Italy is a place you aspire to learn more about, “The Venice Sketchbook” by Rhys Bowen is my recommendation.
It might sound like a bit of a stretch, but reading can also improve your cooking skills and assert you. My husband said “delicious” three times after reading about, then created the aforementioned “perfect grilled cheese sandwich”.
By the way, this involved toasting the bread on all sides in a well-buttered pan before stacking it on top of different varieties of grated cheese – lots of cheese – then covering the pan for 10 seconds.
I am a reader. I love books by female authors and have a soft spot for novice writers with well-researched storytelling skills. I love my books accompanied by a steaming cup of linden tea sitting on a chair with an ottoman and good lighting.
Renowned novelist William Styron wrote: “A good book should leave you with a lot of experiences and a little worn out at the end. ” Indeed.
Sharon Johnson is a retired Associate Professor Emeritus from Oregon State University. Contact her at [email protected].
[ad_2]
Source link