Why Do We Read?

A simple question with undoubtedly many answers, and an interesting question to ponder.

The answer to why we read likely changes given the time of day, the content we are consuming, the time in our lives, and our current needs and desires.

So let me rephrase the question...

Why do YOU read?

If you are a bibliophile like me, I would wager a guess that reading brings you joy and comfort. But why? Have you ever stopped to consider what you are actually getting out of spending an hour between the pages of a book? Maybe someone has passed judgement on your love of reading and you became tongue-tied trying to defend your passion for literature.

While I don't know what you get out of reading, I have a few ideas that might help you consider this question further and offer an answer to those who are curious.

We Read for Escapism

Magical portals aren't a thing of fantasy and fiction - they are real and can be found simply by cracking the spine on a book. As soon as you've read a few pages, you will find yourself sucked into the world of the story. The room you are in, the time of day, what you need to do next all seem to slip away and you are transported to outer-space, a mossy glen in Ireland, the busy streets of New York on Christmas Eve.

Life in the 21st century can be very full and stimulating. To some extent, many of us operate on less than optimal sleep, nutrition, and connection with others while juggling parenting, housekeeping, careers, and, if you're lucky, a hobby. Sometimes all we need is to take a break from reality and the massive to-do list lurking on the fridge and just BE.

Reading offers us a chance to let life unfold for someone else while we sit and observe. We needn't do a thing but breathe and scan our eyes, using singular focus to interpret the words on the page and build scenes in our mind.

We Read for Joy

These full and stimulating lives we lead can also be hard. Stressful conversations, situations, and relationships ebb and flow throughout our lives, and navigating them can feel draining at times. Reading can allow us to smile for the sake of others, to feel joyful for someone else, to laugh when our life lacks levity.

And there is also joy to be had in books when joy abounds in our own lives. When we are in love, we can share the joy of the main character falling in love. When we feel proud of our accomplishments, we can connect with characters who are achieving great things. Choosing to read books that weave joy into our lives through their plots, characters, or settings is a wonderful way to sprinkle more smiles and light-heartedness into our lives.

We Read for Inspiration

Whether you intend to be inspired or not, reading can motivate us. The most obvious examples of this can be found in the genres of personal development, cookbooks, health and wellness, or career advancement. But inspiration and motivation can also be found in fiction.

Have you ever picked up a novel set in a faraway country and then desperately wanted to plan a trip there? Maybe you even made that trip happen? Have you ever read a novel where a character is doing something you've often thought of trying and then felt inspired to give it a whirl?

Main characters come in many shapes and sizes, but more often than not, there will be a moment when they find their courage. Being brave is no easy feat, and even if you're not standing up to the evil Pirate Lord or volunteering as tribute in place of your younger sister, you may be able to take their bravery and walk a little taller that day, speak up for yourself to the haters, or implement a new idea or attitude with confidence.

We Read for Learning

If you want to know more about a specific topic, there is no better way than to roll up your sleeves and do some research. Hopefully you are learning things that interest you and have found resources that are engaging and accurate. Curiosity is a trait that will having you following the white rabbit into an old tree and down a never-ending hole, and hopefully you learn some new things and have fun along the way.

Of course there are other ways to learn new information, but reading hasn't gone out of style. With infinite knowledge now nestled in our pockets, the internet is a wealth of information on every topic out there! And while I am generally a "believer" by nature, just remember to not believe everything you read. Truth is a nebulous concept, but the best we can do is stay curious and keep reading.

We Read to Find Ourselves

If you want to know why I read, this is it. I have learned more about myself in the pages of a book and my reflections during and after reading than in any therapy session I've attended.

Watch yourself as you choose a book, ask yourself why are you reading what you are reading. Watch yourself as you read, what is making you smile or roll your eyes? Where do you see yourself in the characters of the book? What would you do if you were in their shoes?

I have read books before and been completely surprised by my own reactions; why did I fall in love with this book or why was this novel bringing up such unpleasant feelings for me?

I believe that I grow and change with every chapter I read. Some books help me to grow fast or in more obvious ways, and some are more subtle. There is even something to learn about yourself from what books you DNF. Readers are learners at heart, so don't be afraid to learn something about yourself from your books. Even if they are about fire-breathing dragons and the teenagers who ride them.

Why Does it Matter?

When you know why something is important to you, when you understand its value, you are more likely to preserve and protect it. Too often I have heard friends say they were too busy to read today, even though I know reading is so much more to them than just a way to pass time. When we connect to the value in our daily tasks or hobbies, they become nonnegotiables. We wouldn't skip brushing our teeth, would we?

Reading is so much more than it seems, and to me, it has immense value. I will forever be grateful for the lessons I've learned and the adventures I've been on while seated by a cozy fire with my nose in a book.