As students, reading is a skill essential to academic success. English courses require reading, math has word problems and social studies is full of historical texts to interpret. The ability to read and analyze content in school is highly necessary.
Of course, the academic value of reading is no secret. But reading for leisure is just as important.
“Reading as a habit is probably one of the greatest things a person can do to improve their mind, their attention span, and their academic prowess,” said Fuquay-Varina High School librarian, Alison Norris.
In order to read effectively, people must cultivate skills that are important in day-to-day life. As educated members of society, students have a responsibility to be able analyze and interpret the world around them. Whether it be political discussions on the news, celebrity drama in videos or even simply the lyrics to popular songs, having the ability to understand and interpret text is necessary in order to engage in the digital-media-filled culture of modern society.
“Books are one of the only vehicles we have that allow us to walk in another’s shoes and see the world from their perspective,” said Norris. “In this way literature has immeasurable cultural value to both the individual and the collective.”
Reading engages the mind, improving creativity and diversifying perspectives. Fantasy novels push readers to dream bigger. Mystery stories turn readers into detectives trying to solve thrilling puzzles. Memoirs allow for both internal reflection and the exercising of empathy. Fiction or nonfiction books offer endless possibilities and manners of existence.
Many people stay away from the habit, writing it off as simply something that isn’t enjoyable to them. Norris, however, believes that everyone has the ability to love reading.
“You just haven’t found your book yet,” she said regarding people who claim to dislike the hobby. “I would advise them to think about the media they do consume. Stories are stories, whether they are video or the written word.”
On top of the necessity of being able to keep up in academic settings, reading as a hobby is a meaningful habit that allows people to grow their mind, shaping perspectives and building skills necessary for understanding the world around them.
For those who don’t read for leisure, make your way to the FVHS library or any public library. Thousands of books are available to strengthen your mind, and you may just find you enjoy it.
