I always find it strange that people need to be convinced to read. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love books. For me, books have always been magic, gateways to other worlds, other lives. They’re adventures and dreams, knowledge and potential, all packed into conveniently portable packages. Forget apps–no matter what you want or need at any given moment in life, there’s a book for it. How could anyone not instantly see the value in that?
And yet… According to the Pew Research Center, 26% of American adults have admitted to not reading even part of a book in the last year (and I’m sure the numbers are similar in Canada). Clearly a lot of people don’t realize they’re missing out.
If magic, knowledge, and adventure aren’t enough to get you interested, maybe I should also mention that:
Yale researchers found that people who read books for 30 minutes a day live longer than those who read magazines or who don’t read at all.
(This reminds me of an old Twilight Zone episode where someone was reading a book in parts to their elderly relative, always leaving the story on a cliffhanger to keep the person hanging on well beyond a normal lifespan. #goals)
Successful people read (and they share some of their favourite books here).
People who read short stories are more open-minded and creative, according to a University of Toronto study.
Need a short story to get you started? How about “Blood Magic,” available free here, and at other online booksellers!
You can read more about the benefits of reading books here, or you can just pick up a book and find out for yourself.
Today is also World Book and Copyright Day! It’s the perfect day to start a reading habit or to encourage others to start one. How will you be celebrating? Share in the comments.
Lastly, the Copyright Act is under review in Canada. The current Act has allowed copying of copyrighted works to the extent that Canadian creators and publishers have had their royalties decline by 80% since 2012. I urge everyone to read more about it here, and to show your support for Canadian writers and creators (like me) by sharing the message on social media using the following hashtags: #IValueCdnStories #CreativeCanada #ValueGap #INDU #cdnpoli #WBCD2018 #worldbookday2018 #worldbookandcopyrightday
Aspasía S. Bissas 
I’ll never understand people who don’t read. They’re weird … and have beady eyes 😀
But seriously, how can you say no to the chance to dive into so many different worlds and lives, experience a million journeys and cross the ocean without leaving your sofa and coffee?
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It just doesn’t make sense to me. To be able to read and choose to pass on it? It’s like choosing to be colour blind when someone is handing you technicolour vision.
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