Why You Should Read by Muhammad Raza

 Why You Should Read

Summer is an exciting time for all the students–we enjoy monumental amounts of free time, we can play outside all day long, and enjoy all our favorite summer foods and desserts. However, one aspect of summer (and perhaps the one thing that many dislike about the season) that has remained constant for as long as I can remember is summer reading. Schools assign mandatory reading to many, if not, all of their students over the course of the summer so that they maintain their comprehension skills while preparing for the upcoming school year. Many students see this as a chore, and are only motivated to open up a book when the duress of a looming assignment or upcoming exam presses them to do so. However, this summer through such assignments, I have rekindled my love of reading and have firsthand seen the positive effects that come from it.

The first positive effect that I have recognized through reading is the amount of exposure you get to new ideas. I am currently reading The Bonesetter’s Daughter by Amy Tan, and the book has introduced me to so many aspects of ancient Chinese Culture and the practices of those living in rural cities and villages of the time. From specific superstitions and beliefs to rituals and signs, the book has taught me a magnitude of information about the culture that I never would have learned without it or if I had researched on my own from outside sources. In short, the more books you read, the more exposure you get, which contributes to you becoming a more nuanced and knowledgeable person. 

Another positive effect that I have observed from reading is the increase in my vocabulary. While doing my summer reading for different novels, I frequently come across words that I am unfamiliar with and have to look up the definition for. As such, my vocabulary directly improves and broadens the more I read, which is not only helpful in being able to read more books but also in an array of real life situations.

The last (and possibly greatest) aspect of reading that I have recognized this summer is that it gives me pleasure and entertainment in a constructive form. Almost all of my entertainment and hobbies (with the exception of exercise) revolve around technology. From scrolling through Instagram on my phone to playing video games on my desktop, it feels like the only thing that I can entertain myself with is sitting in front of a screen. Books provide a much needed break to me from this attachment to technology that I have developed, and entertain me in a way that is undoubtedly beneficial to my growth. This has made me realize that reading is not merely something that one does to gain information or to get points on an exam, but one that can provide loads of fun and entertainment to those who actively engage in it. All in all, this summer has shown me the amazing benefits that reading has, and I think that you should start reading too.