Reading is the complex cognitive process of decoding symbols to derive meaning. It is a form of language processing. Success in this process is measured as reading comprehension, as in do you understand what you just read? So, have you read any good books lately?
I have always been a reader but with more indoor time these past weeks the number of books I average in a month has increased. Reading is a great way to pass the time and there is the potential to learn something new even if only a few additional words to add to your vocabulary.
Today I read an article which mentioned a study by Yale University where researchers found that there was a significant linkage between book reading and longevity. The article stated that book readers averaged a two-year-longer life span than those who did not read at all. The possible two year additional life span didn’t matter to me much one way or the other but what did interest me was that research showed that “reading books can promote empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence.” [Christian Century May 20, 2020] I figure for me any of the three would be beneficial.
If you are not sure what to read you might look up the “summer reading list” for someone you admire, be it an author, sports star or politician. If you admire them you likely have similar interests so that might be a good place to start. I am fascinated by the lists and often intimidated by the caliber of their selections. My interests are varied and so are the books I read.
Just for the fun of it, send me the titles of the last two books you’ve read or the names of favorite authors.
My most recent book was by Stuart Woods but I love books by Jodi Picoult and in recent weeks have read books by Madeline Albright and Ruth Bader Ginsberg.
“Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.” ― Alberto Manguel,
The Rev. Ellen Meissgeier