Reading books is not only a great way to pass the time but a fantastic way of learning new things. As well as reading a physical book you can also read an e-book online using your laptop, smartphone or tablet or even download an audiobook and listen to it. However, less than half of the UK adult population purchased a book in 2018.
So here are some of the advantages of reading books.
Benefits of reading books.
Relaxation
Reading books can help you relax, especially at night time before bed. Staring at a phone screen, laptop or TV will stimulate your brain meaning you have will difficulty falling asleep.
Learn something
One of the best ways to learn is by reading. Reading books can help you increase your general knowledge, helping you learn new facts and information.
If you read books on a specific subject, you will deepen your knowledge and understanding of it.
Improve your vocabulary.
Reading books allows you to see new words and how they are used in sentences. Once you learn what these words mean and the context in which they can be used, you can start including them in your conversations and in your writing.
Improves your analytical skills.
When reading a book, your brain will be stimulated as you process what you are reading. You will also start to ask yourself questions such as ‘what is going to happen next?’ or ‘what did that section mean? This will help you think about things in different ways as you learn about different viewpoints and new ideas.
Where to get books
Join your local library
It is easy to sign up for membership of your local library and the majority are free to join.
Buy books
Ok, this sounds obvious but avid readers can always buy their own books (or put them on their Christmas list). However, there are some ways to get them at a cheaper price. Some book retailers offer a student discount or sometimes will offer deals such as buy a book and get one half price.
Another thing you can do is buy second hand copies of books. On websites such as eBay or Amazon, there is the option to look at second hand copies of the book which are at lower prices. You can see what condition they are in and look at previous reviews of the seller.
Book share – Bring a book, take a book
Some supermarkets, local shops, cafes etc have set up a book share scheme where people can swap books. There will be a table or bookcase set up somewhere and people can donate a book and take a different one home with them to read. Once they have finished it, they could donate it back and take away another book.
