I was once asked to imagine a life without books and I broke out in a cold sweat. I simply cannot imagine a world without books. They are so vital to society. I cannot deny the importance of books!
We often think of some of the famous book burnings, like those of the Nazi regime around World War 2. Or we think of the book “Fahrenheit 451” by Ray Bradbury, about a dystopian society where books are banned. There have, in fact, been many book burnings and destructions over the centuries. For example: the burning of books and burying of scholars in China in the third century, the obliteration of the Library of Baghdad in 1258, and the burning of the library in the Institut d’Égypte in Cairo in 2011. There have been several situations in the last decade. It is not just “historical”.
So that tells us that an emphasis should be placed on the importance of books. When people want to destroy something key like books you know that there is power on the page. A good book can transport you into a world you didn’t know existed. It exposes you to new ideas, perspectives, and literary styles. It provides an opportunity to influence the values and intelligence of a society.
A house without books is like a room without windows.
Heinrich Mann
Books allow us to see outside ourselves. They can open the windows of our minds. Our preconceived notions can be challenged and our understanding expanded.
Books are lighthouses erected in the great sea of time.
E.P. Whipple
Books help us learn about history.
Read deeply. Read widely. Don’t just stick with one style of history book but allow voices of different opinions to yours to inform you. Yes, history books can be changed, and we can revise, but if we read from a wide group of authors and collaborators on the time period or subject we will most likely be able to discern the truth. Biases do get in the way, even in history. Learning about the past is important so that we can predict the future. There are so many fascinating things to learn from history. I love the ancient Romans, Greeks and Egyptians. So many cool inventions and scientific discoveries. The importance of history books is vital to understanding.
Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.
Vera Nazarian
Reading Exposes Us To New Things.
This is awesome. Maybe it is a new culture or a new experience. There is a plethora of great information out there that we need to tap into. Reading also improves imagination and creative thinking.
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.
Richard Steele
Books help us improve our writing.
They help build our vocabulary and writing style. A good writer is a good reader. They also help us to rest. For many people grabbing a book is a wonderful way to get some down time (I am raising my hand big time here!) We need to be good communicators in our day to day activities. Better vocabulary means better communication. Reading also improves your general knowledge, creativity, and imagination. This assists you to interact well with other people with the same interests and expertise.
READING IS GOOD FOR YOU
Reading is very, very good for you. Research shows that regular reading:
- improves brain connectivity
- increases your vocabulary and comprehension
- empowers you to empathize with other people
- aids in sleep readiness
- reduces stress
- lowers blood pressure and heart rate
- fights depression symptoms
- prevents cognitive decline as you age
- contributes to a longer life
READING TO CHILDREN
Reading should not be presented to children as a chore or duty. It should be offered to them as a precious gift. —Kate DiCamillo
There are many little ways to enlarge your child’s world. Love of books is the best of all.
Jacqueline Kennedy
What about when it comes to children? Should we be introducing them to books at a young age? The answer is a resounding, emphatic YES YES YES!! From birth!
It is books that are the key to the wide world; if you can’t do anything else, read all that you can.
Jane Hamilton
SO, IN CONCLUSION
We cannot exhaust the importance of books in our life. A reading culture should be promoted in our society. We should do this by introducing books to children when they are still little. It will instill the culture of reading to our future generations.
It is thus essential to always have a book available, be it in soft or hard copy. Read a chapter or two whenever you have free minutes. You can also listen to audios while going about your business. Do not limit yourself to one particular genre. There are millions of books in the world; you will find something you love. The benefits you gain when you read books are many, therefore read always.
so………Wear the old coat and buy the new book. —Austin Phelps
Check out some of my other vlogs and blog posts on books…..I LOVE READING!
Some of my favorite chapter books
Should we be reading “outdated” books?
Some of my favorite picture books
well built and handsome.