As first published in: Whisperings of Anna ~ Issue No. 22, January/February 2023, pp. 83-90.I was an avid reader when I was young, with a reading age far above my years, scouring the pages under the covers by torchlight, the hasty switch off and hiding my latest novel under my pillow as my parents came to check in on me. As readers of this magazine, I’m sure you have similar memories.
So why then, as we grow and age do we find ourselves finding less time for such hobbies, an ever-mounting nightstand pile of books never opened Perhaps it comes with the nature of our workload increasing, wanting time to switch off instead of another task which requires some level of concentration? Maybe it is the perceived level of effort and time it would take to find and pay for a book you may not even enjoy (although it could be argued the unknowing is half the fun), in comparison to aimlessly scrolling through social media where algorithms accurately guess topics of interest. Whatever the reason, we must reduce our screen time and as handy as digitisation is, some things are best done the old-fashioned way.
As tempting as it is to download an e-book or audiobook for free, reading a physical copy has so many benefits. Not only does regular reading improve your brain connectivity, helping you to problem solve, find patterns and link information together more quickly, but it also expands your vocabulary and boosts your memory, preventing Alzheimer's and other memory loss which only becomes more vital with age. For example, just feeling the pages turn sends a signal to your brain using muscle memory, providing deeper context and understanding of the content. In short, think of reading as a muscle workout for your brain in the same way exercise is good for your body. As it happens, both help you feel rejuvenated and motivated, reduce stress and put you in a better place to collect your thoughts and take a proper break, before hitting the grind again.
This is especially essential when it comes to getting some downtime before going to sleep. It is recommended that you avoid screens for at least an hour before you fall asleep as staring at your devices until you eventually doze off damages your eyes and discourages you from falling asleep due to the design of apps to be addictive. Reading consistently is the easiest way to make something a habit. So, perhaps pick up where you left off at the same time each day, and bring a book or two everywhere you go, so as we ease out of the pandemic and regain our commutes to work or school as well as allocated break time (when you're waiting for the train, your next meeting, etc.) instead of reaching for your phone, why not try using this time to get through the next chapter (or even just a few pages) of your current page-turner? Our devices have been proven to stress us out and make us more anxiety-ridden, meaning that instead of taking an actual setback from it all, our brains are instead on a constant treadmill, unable to get off and left permanently exhausted, so consider reading as a type of self-care!
Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary - Jim Rohn
Digital entertainment, like any drug or bad boyfriend, introduces and leaves us chasing a dopamine kick that never hits the same as it did the first time around and withdrawing yourself from it is a difficult, painful but ultimately rewarding process. As an added bonus, some studies have found that reducing your screen time and reading instead can actually increase your life span by a couple of years! No one is saying you can’t binge-watch your favourite show! It’s fine as an occasional treat, but prolonged use can actually damage your brain. Taking time away from your screen can improve your posture and productivity and reduce eye strain, so when you do actually have to use a device you can do so without headaches, focus and retain your concentration leading to increased academic or workplace success. Reading also increases your ability to put yourself in other people's shoes. Modern society often discusses diversity and inclusion in relation to race, gender, sexuality and class, but we often neglect to include diversity of opinions and freedom of expression in this discussion. It’s important to note that not every member of a particular group will hold the same views, and assuming they do upholds the idea and pigeonholes that all those of a certain background are both a monolith and a stereotype.
Okay, so we understand the benefits. But how does one get out of a reading slump and become motivated to keep going? Personally, the first thing I did when getting back into reading was to create a tracker. I considered doing this using software, like Notion, but at least for me it would be creating yet another page I wouldn’t use, so instead I got myself onto Goodreads. I know quite a few of my friends use it, so it felt like we had more of a community and it’s interesting to see other people’s thoughts on literature and what interests them in their spare time. Plus Goodreads allows you to do a yearly tracker and gives you a round-up of your top books of the year similar to Spotify, which intrigued me. Personally, I’ve decided to start small, aiming for 5 books this year (not including anything I read academically or for work, ‘reading for fun’ books only). I’m hoping I will likely surpass 5 books, but starting so small will make it easier for me to motivate myself to achieve this and will give me the accomplishment boost when I have to update it to a higher number. Using the Goodreads review section once you complete a novel will also help to engage with what you read instead of just consuming things passively, helping you to retain information and form those pathways in your brain.
I think it’s also worth noting that you don’t have to plunge yourself into the more intimidating literary greats if you don’t feel comfortable branching out as of yet, so in keeping with the overall theme and mindset of Whisperings of Anna, I’ve included my most indulgent, guilty pleasure, chick-lit below! If you’re struggling to get through a book or into more classic literature, try sticking to easier works, perhaps those aimed at a slightly younger audience (for example, shorter YA [young adult] or even a classic children’s book, we tend to forget the formal way they were written make them perfectly suitable for today’s adults) or a work you’re already familiar with due to a screen or stage adaption. If you’re still finding the content to be particularly dense, consider reading summaries online to give you a rough outline of the plot so you can focus on getting to grasp the author’s style of writing, which might be outside of what you are used to. Lastly, it’s worth noting that a vast selection of second-hand books exists both online and within your local charities or independent bookshops and libraries, so do consider supporting smaller businesses and for roughly the price of a coffee from a chain brand, you really can’t complain! Although in my opinion a book will last you a lot longer and is reusable making it a much better investment!
She read books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live. - Annie Dillard
So, with all this in mind, you may be wondering what books I’m recommending. Well, here’s my ultimately girly book guide:
For those who love a good girly chick-lit rom-com, I’d recommend anything written by Sophie Kinsella, Marian Keyes or especially Meg Cabot! From ‘The Princess Diaries’ series to ‘Avalon High’ to ‘Teen Idol’, Cabot perfectly encapsulates the coming-of-age perspective honestly, whilst demonstrating her now better judgement in a hilariously witty fashion. Whilst some of her work is aimed at a younger reader, her ability to transform her writing to mature with her audience and characters is brilliant and her depiction of slow-burn romances is top-tier.
For the younger ladies amongst us, I’d give the ‘The Spinster Club’ Series by Holly Bourne a go! Starting with ‘Am I normal yet?', which is the furthest thing from boring or mundane, it tells the trials and tribulations of young love and self-discovery, providing an excellent commentary on feminism and the standards teenage girls hold themselves and others too through everyday scenarios that most (if not all) of us have been through at some point in our lives in a beyond relatable and painstakingly British way.
For those who dream of the big city, old money life, you know you’ll love the ‘Gossip Girl’ series and its spin-off ‘The It Girl’ by Cecily von Ziegesar or "The Devil Wears Prada" by Lauren Weisburger.
Last, but certainly not least, for those nostalgic of eras gone by, try reading biographies of your favourite Old Hollywood starlets, if nothing else ‘What would Audrey do: Timeless Lessons for Living with Grace and Style’ by Pamela Clarke Keogh is my go-to for becoming a more elegant and sophisticated young lady.
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