I've Got A Gold Medal in Reading
Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature hosted by The Broke and The Bookish. Every week they post a new topic/top ten list and invite everyone to share their own answers. I'm so obsessed with lists - so it makes perfect sense that I'd love this feature!
Top Ten Reasons I Love Being A Reader
1. I can go anywhere in the pages of a book.
Seriously, in the past few weeks I've been to: apartheid South Africa, modern-day New York City, two dystopian versions of the future, Russia during World War II, 1950s New Orleans, and a magical version of lake community in Georgia. There's nothing like traveling through the pages of a good book!
2. Reading has taught me how to put myself in someone else's shoes.
I really love books with well-developed characters. As I've said before, I don't need to like the character to be invested in their story. I love that books have helped me learn to empathize with others. There's something to be said about a hobby that can help you learn to be a better person.
3. Reading is good for my brain and makes me smarter.
There are a million studies that show books are good brain food. Whether it's having a better vocabulary or stronger writing skills, there's no doubt that there are so many benefits to reading. I always did really well in school, and I know that a part of that came from my love for reading. It helped me love learning!
4. It gives me an outlet when I'm stressed out.
Sometimes it's nice to turn on the TV when I'm tired or stressed... and other times I just want to lose myself in another world. Being able to stop and immerse myself in a fictional world can help when I'm overwhelmed by reality. Decompressing with a good book can be such a relief!
5. Books can have led to some of my favorite real-life conversations.
One of my favorite moments in real life is when I find out that someone else is a big reader. It creates an immediate connection and gives you so much to talk about as you're getting to know someone. I also have had some of the best conversations with friends involving books. Whether it's fangirling over a new series or pushing an old favorite, there's nothing like bookish chats!
6. One of the best activities in the world: shopping for books.
I'm not a huge shopper. I enjoy buying things like nail polish or movies, but I've never been one to spend hours at the mall. Trying on clothes? Ugh, the worst. I love cute clothes, but I hate the experience of buying them. But shopping for books? It's one of my favorites! I could spend hours in the bookstore. I always grab a huge pile, sit down at a table and then start slowly narrowing it down.
7. It's a hobby that I can take anywhere.
Scrapbooking, crafting, cooking, fishing, running, collecting, golfing... many hobbies have to be done in specific places. One great thing about reading is that you can do it almost anywhere and take it with you wherever you go. Standing in line at the grocery store? Read on your phone! Headed to the beach? Don't forget to pack some books.
8. I automatically have something to decorate with in my house.
I might buy a few too many books, but they do look awfully good in my house. We have big bookshelves in my husband's office with the majority on my books on them, but I also love having books scattered all over my house. In my kitchen, on my coffee table, in the guest bedroom... books have taken over my house!
9. I'll never run out of things to read.
Granted, this is also stressful (think of how many things I'll never have time to read!), but we're going to be positive on this list. I do love that there will always be new books, new authors, new worlds and new characters to fall in love with as a reader. There's no reading limit - no end to what's left to discover.
10. The best way to end the day? Reading in the bath.
Listen, I basically love taking baths. I'll toss in a LUSH Cosmetics bath melt, grab a nice cold Diet Coke, hop in with my latest read and then I'm pretty much in heaven. I think the bath and book combination is always the right answer. Stressful day at work? Yep. Not feeling good? Duh. In a really great mood? Still works. My second favorite place to read is in the bath!
I too love that reading is good for our brains as well as being fun, absorbing, educational, and such a great way to get away from life ;)
ReplyDeleteI got a little starry-eyed reading this! Yes, yes, yes to everything - although I have to say reading in bed is pretty high up there too. :)
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of reading being a hobby you can take any where. I guess I don't tend to think of reading as a hobby like I do knitting or running (something else you can take most places!), but it's so true. And the idea of never running out of things to read is so lovely, but also so sobering and intimidating!
ReplyDeleteI'm with you all the way until #10. I'm sooo klutzy. I would SO ruin a book. ;) My #10 would be a cup of tea and a book in bed.
ReplyDeleteGreat list though.
I know the love/hate with #9 all too well, my friend.
ReplyDeleteOh yes, bath and a book. THE BEST. This is the best thing I've seen on any list all day.
ReplyDeleteI love that you included that reading makes you smarter! It's the first time I've seen the reason pop up on a list, but it is so true. I can definitely say I would not be doing as well in English class if it weren't for my love of reading. Awesome reasons! :)
ReplyDeleteBella @ Ciao Bella
I love decorating with books! I have so many littered around our house-- I really need to invest in some nice bookshelves!!
ReplyDeleteI love your list for TTT this week, Hannah! It's almost like you're in my head (which is pretty awesome), as I really would have listed all these things as well if I'd made one. I love that reading is an experience that transforms, transports and teaches you -- and that it's also something enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI love how detailed your answers are! I can apply nearly all of them to myself (I don't take baths though). And I've stopped going to book stores to purchase books as much as I used to - now, since I'm much more aware of what books are getting published these days and my TBR pile is out of control, it's easier to just place books on hold at my library. I am looking forward to getting a house though, because I totally plan on decorating it with books like you do. :)
ReplyDelete