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I opened a bookshop. It was the best, worst thing I’ve ever done
Chloe Fox shares the hopes and heartache of fulfilling a life-long dream
This Is Your Brain on Books
“Good literature and good gossip have in common that they are both savagely and mortifyingly honest”... more »
SciLight: “Reading is more than just entertainment. When you open a book and begin reading, your brain doesn’t simply process words—it transforms. Research using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) has revealed that reading activates multiple brain regions and creates lingering neural effects.
A 2020 study found that increased gray matter in the left superior temporal cortex was associated with better reading performance in children, demonstrating how reading literally reshapes our brain structure.
- Reading and Longevity: Perhaps one of the most striking findings comes from research on reading and mortality. A study published in the Health and Retirement Study examined over 3,600 participants and found that book readers had a greater likelihood of living longer than non-readers. Quoting from the study itself:
- “A 20% reduction in mortality was observed for those who read books, compared to those who did not read books. Further, our analyses demonstrated that any level of book reading gave a significantly stronger survival advantage than reading periodicals. This is a novel finding (in both senses of the word), as previous studies did not compare types of reading material; it indicates that book reading rather than reading in general is driving a survival advantage.”
- Stress Reduction and Mental Health: Need to unwind? Research from the University of Sussex discovered that reading can slash stress by as much as 68%—more effective than listening to music or taking a walk. The mechanism is straightforward: reading requires concentration and focus, leading to reduced muscle tension and a slower heart rate. Read more here, here, here.
- For older adults, the benefits are particularly pronounced. A 2022 study in China found that reading had a positive effect on the physical and mental health of older individuals and also provided a social outlet
- Building Empathy Through Fiction. Reading literary fiction does more than entertain—it enhances our ability to understand others. A 2017 studyrevealed that people who read literary fiction show a heightened ability to understand the feelings and beliefs of others, a skill researchers call “theory of mind.” This capability is essential for navigating social relationships and building meaningful connections.
- Bibliotherapy: Prescribing Books for Healing. The formal practice of using books therapeutically, known as bibliotherapy, has roots stretching back centuries. Research shows it serves six clear functions: demonstrating that others have faced similar problems, presenting new solutions, helping readers understand motivations, providing factual information, encouraging realistic problem-solving, and allowing emotional release. See more here, here, here, here….