Re-think Your Reading - Part 1
We know you have been waiting patiently to get that next book in the series or the newest best seller, and we definitely share your enthusiasm that the library is now open curbside! As you finally settle down with your book, we would also like to invite you to think about reading in a new light, and perhaps even improve your reading in ways you didn’t know were possible!
Why do we read?
The simple answer of course, is for your own pleasure. Reading allows us an escape to another reality where we hear the innermost thoughts of characters, and spend hours with their perspective and learning their background.
Sometimes we just read for entertainment. Other times it’s for companionship, whether you are waiting at the doctor’s office, or going through an adjustment in your life where it’s simply comforting to re-read your favourite book. No matter what the reason we pick up that book, just know that you are reducing your stress, improving your memory and vocabulary, and challenging your perspective. Read more about “Why we Read”, in this video recorded on World Book Day. And check out what “book species” you identify with, in this cool classification chart!
Why don't we read?
Let’s be honest, there is always something else that takes priority—the pursuit of reading is sometimes hard. But it doesn’t change the fact that we all want to be readers! It’s why we have that tower of books on our coffee table that calls to us!
Time is precious in today’s world, where work, family, social lives and social media all compete for our attention. The average Canadian spent 231 minutes a day in 2019 watching television, where everything is provided to the viewer without required thinking, and this is easier for our tired, stressed brains than using our energy to read, imagine, and create a world in our mind.
Challenge your reading habits
What if you could read faster? If you watch the average person’s eyes as they read, you will notice they jump and flit about, they don’t just flow evenly back and forth. This is because most people tend to backtrack over words they have already read. This is one thing that prevents you from being able to increase your reading speed. It’s a habit that is a bit tricky to change, but give it a try!
Have you ever noticed that sometimes you are reading ‘aloud’ in your head, often without knowing it? Why is this a problem? Because people’s average speaking speeds are 100–130 words per minute, and if we only read at the same speed as we talk, our reading speeds consequently suffer. If we want to read faster, we must start to see the words as opposed to hear them. Try these really interesting tips to reduce this habit, also called subvocalization.
Reluctant reader?
"If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book" - J. K. Rowling
Are you someone who still has difficulty carving out time to read? It’s okay, you will get there! Try some of these tips:
- Try setting a reading goal that is easily attainable, such as 20 pages a day. When you aren’t over-committing, the reading experience is less stressful and more enjoyable!
- Have you ever tried short story or essay collections? They are already divided up into nice bite-size pieces for you. You could promise yourself you’ll read one story each day, no pressure!
- Maybe you need to try a different genre of book, and discover something new!
- As obvious as it sounds, it’s a lot easier to pick up a book if it’s about something you really care about. Find books that interest you, whether it’s historical non-fiction, Canadian authors, or self-help.
- Read how a journalist put the Japanese method of Kaizen into practice to rediscover her love of reading!
Continue the love of reading
Watch this short YouTube video on how Bill Gates reads books! Then check out this short TED talk where a 9-year old boy talks about the power of reading.
Check out these books to learn more about upping your reading game!
- The Reading Life
- What we talk about when we talk about books
- A Year of Reading
- I’d Rather Be Reading
- How to Read Faster and Remember More
- Speed Reading
- How Reading Changed My Life
- How to Read and Why