Recently, the hashtag ‘BookTok’ has gained popularity on the popular app TikTok. This has caused many, including myself, to regain a love for reading. This new trend made me think, what makes us read?
First we need to look at some of the benefits of reading as a possible motivation for picking up a book. Reading is proven to improve vocabulary and spelling, with 16 year olds who read more than once a week gaining higher results in maths, vocabulary and spelling tests than those who do not. One of my peers Amelia G says ‘Reading is enjoyable and helps me to expand my vocabulary but most importantly, it makes me question things I would've never considered before.’
Reading also enhances empathy, a core value for all humans to have. It can also aid people living on their own with 19% of readers saying that reading makes them feel less lonely. Some readers pick up a novel for escapism, I spoke to Alice C who is one of these people. She said that ‘Reading gives me a chance to live vicariously through the characters of the book. When I’m fed up with my world I can move to theirs.’ With the context of recent world events, we can understand the need for this escapism and connection to a character. Reading is also proven to make people more calm and relaxed and to raise self-esteem.
So with all of these benefits, why do 46% of young people not read in their free time?
Maybe it is because reading is seen as ‘uncool’ or feels like too much work. Or perhaps because many simply do not find it an enjoyable activity. Whatever the reason, I implore you to pick up a short book and read or listen to it, with all of these benefits you really cannot go wrong.
Pro Tip: for an added boost of motivation, buy a book with a pretty cover. One of my favourites is the Penguin English library edition of 'The Great Gatsby’.
