That’s not what we usually see, is it? More often we find articles about engendering the love of reading in kids.
So I was pretty impressed to find in the September 2017 issue of Family Circle an article about the importance of reading for pleasure. I assume that many of you reading this blog, as writers, are already immersed in a regular reading habit, but this short article with “how-to” tips addresses how we, as women, are pulled in so many directions that we often let reading slide. And it’s true; an inordinate involvement with our phones, TV, internet – not to mention the real-life issues of our families and work – can leave us feeling we have no time to read.
But a Yale linguistics professor, Kenneth Pugh, mentions the importance of reading for pleasure as highly important for our emotional health as well as strengthening our creativity. Tips on how to get back into reading include never leaving home without a book; literally penciling in time in our daily schedule for reading; swapping a chunk of our TV addiction for reading time; keeping a book on our nightstand, etc.
For anyone not sure of how to get back into reading, the article suggested as number one – your local librarian. Librarians are a fantastic source of knowledge of the books on their shelves and with a few questions, can have you in a book you love in no time. A good local bookseller can do the same. In addition, they recommended the New York Times Best Seller list, Goodreads.com, or 2017 Popsugar Reading Challenge. What I loved most about seeing this article is that Family Circle is a magazine with a huge circulation of about 17, 560 readers that reaches a very mainstream audience.
Reading – and reading for pleasure – is important. I find myself concerned about all these moms glued to their phones. What kind of inspiration is that for their children? I’m hoping that a family-oriented magazine like this one will inspire more than a few women to reconsider their habits and pick up a book – for themselves, and also to read to their kids.
Still A Dreamer 
Bravo, Jeanne!
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks, Pat. I know you agree!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well as a librarian I can definitely agree with that advice! I can’t imagine not being a reader but of course I know that many people aren’t and they’re missing so much 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
You’e a librarian … how wonderful! I live in a little “river town” of about 1,100 people, and we have our own small library. It also serves as the official school library for the elementary school across the street. Any trip I make there, I always allow time for talking books with Jennifer – I’m sure you do the same with visitors. Just talking books is a treat. Cheers to librarians!! 🙂
LikeLiked by 3 people
I don’t really get much chance any more as I’m a manager now, so don’t have the same contact with visitors, but it’s good to work in an environment that makes a difference.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It certainly is. Helping people read – and enjoy it – is a plus on every level.
LikeLike
Great post, Jeanne. I like the tips shared, including turning to local librarians. I can’t say enough about librarians. They’ve played a significant role in my reading life.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Me, too. Trekking to the library with my mom and brother from when I was 5 years old was always a high point of my young week. And how lucky am I? I can actually walk to my library! (cuz my town is very small. 🙂 )
LikeLiked by 2 people
My mother used to take us to visit the library when I was young. My brothers started teaching me how to spell and read before I started school. There was no preschool back then in my area. Reading was a family passion.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We are both so lucky in that regard, Lavinia. My parents, and grandparents, were always reading something – books, newspapers, etc., and because I was on her lap when my mother read to my older brother, I, too, could read and spell before going into kindergarten.It sets a lifetime love for reading.
LikeLiked by 1 person