Some people use books as decorations in their homes. It’s a way to look intelligent and classy as you have guests over (before the pandemic) and in quarantine selfies. If you are one of these people, then chances are you haven’t read the majority of those books stacked in your shelves. You may be using these books as a way to aestheticize your space and/or your image instead of actually taking the time to read them.
Not to shame you, as it’s always nice to support the publishing industry, but you should give some of those books a read. There are benefits to actually reading the books on your shelf that make your displayed collection of books even better. Here are a few of those reasons you should get to reading.
It gives you more things to talk about
One nice thing about reading more stories is that you can bring these stories up in conversation. If someone asks you what you’ve been up to, you can reply that you’ve been reading this fascinating book. It’s also something you can bring up yourself to start a conversation if things become an awkward silence. All you have to do is say that you’ve been reading this interesting book and ask people if they’ve read (or watched) anything interesting. It’ll make it seem like you’re being productive during quarantine and will give your group something to talk about.
You may discover a story you love
The benefit of reading multiple books is that you might just find something you fall in love with — a story that just grabs you and makes you want to read more. When you find that, it can make your day a little brighter every time you get a chance to read. If the book is part of a series, then that’s even better. It just means you’ll have even more content to love.
The books on your shelf will be more meaningful
When books are just decoration, you don’t have much connection to them. They’re just tiny pieces of art with no memories connected to them. Actually reading those books can make them more meaningful to you. Each book will be attached to the story in its pages and your experience reading it; in this way, it’ll no longer just be a prop in the background.
It’ll be fun
Contrary to how school can make it feel sometimes, reading is fun. When it’s not attached to a deadline or an essay you can just relax and let the words wash over you. This makes reading feel like a low-effort, low-stakes activity, allowing the story to suck you in. Sometimes reading can be the most immersive and compelling way to experience a story. So if you let yourself really be with the words, you might just end up having some fun.
Your bookshelf might be pretty, but it’s time to pick up one of those books and actually start reading. You’ll be glad you did!
