A READER LIVES A THOUSAND LIVES

 

By Odediran Olamide Deborah

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you will go" - Dr. Seuss

Have you tried hiding a present in a book for loved ones on their special day? Do you remember the weird look on their faces? Their exhale of surprise and exasperation?

It is such a fallacy that people build bookshelves with beautiful books decorating it but find it hard to delve into the marvellous pages of the books. Malcolm X once said, “If you want to hide something from black people put it in a book". This is the bitter truth, for many people see reading as hard work. Some see it as a skill required only in academics.

Perhaps, the Holy Books testify that God instructed Human being to read, for which he increases in knowledge;

" Recite, and your Lord is the most Generous -

Who taught by the pen—

Taught man that which he knew not. ...." 

Quran 96:1-3

" Blessed is he who reads and those who hear the words of the prophecy, and heed the things which are written in it; for the time is near .... "

Revelation 1:3

Reading is not meant for students only. As a matter of fact, it should be one of our daily activities because "reading is a discounted ticket to everywhere" (Mary Schmich). Reading equips a reader with the knowledge of the universe without stepping out of his comfort zone, for all he needs is in a book. 

To know about a country and their culture, you don’t necessarily have to travel around the globe. A book written about the nation can do the wonder. Publication of any sense especially literature books will intimate the reader about the life and culture of the particular group of people. With books, you travel without moving your feet.

Just like any other muscle in the body, the brain requires exercise to keep it strong and healthy Reading is an exercise that engages the brain and keeps it in the right mental shape. It regularly improves memory function by giving the brain a good workout which makes it active. With old age comes decline in memory and brain functions but regular reading may help slow down the process, keeping minds sharper for a long time.

After a long day, snuggling down with a good book (and maybe a glass of wine) sounds appealing because it is  a way to self-soothe and give your mind a break from worrisome news.

“It does not really matters what book you read. By losing yourself in a thoroughly engrossing book, you can escape from the worries and stresses of the everyday world." – Dr. David Lewis

Books serve as free entertainment where amusements and thrills are available at cheaper rate. Reading shuts you off reality, divert your attention from distractions and eases stress temporarily. 

In a study conducted at Sussex University, reading for as little as six minutes was shown to reduce stress level by 68 percent. Someone who finds solace in reading books in his closet might be considered as lacking social and interpersonal relationship skills but the truth is reading helps individuals become more empathetic and it increases self-awareness. In particular, reading literary fiction can increase one's understanding of others and improve relationships. As readers become engrossed in a storyline, they empathize with characters and glean from the story, learn their motivations and sometimes apply it to reality.

A book is a river with lots of fishes ready to be caught. So many new words can be found in books. The more you read, the more you will be exposed to them. Consistent exposure to new words, learning their meanings and seeing the context in which they are used will increase your mental dictionary. More words will be at your disposal to use and more ways to use them in conversation and writing will improve your ability to communicate effectively. This helps you to better articulate your thoughts and more accurately express how you feel. 

Reading makes you a good speaker and a writer. With better vocabulary, you experiment with new words in your writing and speaking them comes to you naturally in everyday engagements and conversations.

Readers are natural born leaders because through reading, they are able to gather information bit by bit; they relate well with people; they are more empathetic; and able to deduce even the minute information about a person. They identify strengths and weaknesses in a person's abilities and are better team players because they envisage and visualize themselves in other people's positions - just like they  journey with fictional characters in a book, sharing in their pains and gains.

Exploring places, getting in contact with exciting cultures, knowing more about the world and gallivanting around the universe without moving feet are the beauties of reading which makes a reader live a thousand lives. Delving into pages of books open readers to multitude of lives, experiences and knowledge.

Those who frown at books as presents are missing out on the benefit of reading. Although a book may not look great at first sight, leafing through its beautiful pages will turn that frown into a smirk, a smile and eventually, a hearty laughter. Books do not only entertain, they also provide a reader with knowledge and increase in vocabulary. They turn readers into empathetic and effective communicators. 

Reading improves concentration power. It stimulates the brain to focus and become healthy. As a popular quote goes, "reading maketh a full man". That's how  readers are made and no fleeting ignorance shall come their way because of constant wanting to know more by way of reading. In a nutshell, readers are body of knowledge and wisdom.