We all read all the time. Social media, texts, snaps, email, signs, assignments, you name it. But reading a novel or a nonfiction book is not quite the same as any of those other reading experiences. As an expert in reading, I implore students to try reading a book. 

The first thought students might have is, “Why would I read a book?” The evidence for reading is clear: reading provides mirrors and windows to see ourselves or meet others. Reading can help calm us, let us escape a difficult time in our lives or teach us something we didn’t even know we didn’t know. It’s rewarding, relaxing and beneficial. Reading can make us laugh or make us cry or even make us angry. It improves our writing, our vocabulary and our critical thinking skills. It can even help you land a job or make more money. So don’t ask, “Why?” Ask, “Why not?”

The second thought students might have is, “A whole book?” Books are different than anything else we read. Books are longer, but that is the beauty of them. They provide us a beginning, a middle and an end in a fiction book and keep us wondering what will happen next. In a nonfiction book, we learn in-depth about a topic. And books come in all shapes, sizes and varieties and for any interest in the world. They are highly edited so we know they contain fewer errors and less bias than much of what we read online. They come in traditional print, electronic format or audio, making them portable and easily accessible no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Some students wonder if the book is outdated, but I would say no. The book is still being published by the truckload. So go to your local library or bookstore today to see what is available. Get an actual book, or download an ebook or an audiobook if they are available. All formats of reading count, even graphic novels and photo-heavy books.

Most students tell me they were once readers, but life got in the way. I understand that. Life is hectic for students. There are classes, sports, jobs, home and friends. This is why we need reading, though. We get caught up in the excess of all of that and we don’t often take care of ourselves. Reading helps with that. If you haven’t read in a while and you struggle with attention, start out small. Tell yourself you are going to read for only 10 minutes a day. Set the timer on your phone and don’t do anything else but read until that 10 minutes is up. Then slowly increase the time, or continue reading in 10-minute increments. It’s up to you and what works for your life.  

Challenge yourself today to find something you would like to read, and read it from beginning to end. Expand your thinking, enjoy a good story or read about your favorite athlete or performer. You’ll thank me in the end. I know, because I’m the expert.

Ramos is a media specialist at the Carmel High School Media Center. The views in this column do not necessarily reflect the views of the HiLite staff. Reach Terri Ramos at [email protected].