#a story is there to entertain or enlighten or teach or inspire empathy

[aparticularbandit]

I think the difference between a lie and a story is that a story utilizes the trappings and appearance of truth for the interest of the listener as well as of the teller. A story has in it neither gain nor loss. But a lie is a device for profit or escape. I suppose if that definition is strictly held to, then a writer of stories is a liar - if he is financially fortunate.

-John Steinbeck, East of Eden

[amazonbooksauthor]

Unlocking Life's Lessons with "Willow's Wisdom": A Heartwarming Journey for Young Minds

In a world filled with hustle and bustle, where every moment seems to rush by in a blur, there exists a serene sanctuary nestled within the pages of a book. This sanctuary is none other than "Willow's Wisdom" by Meera Mandakini – an enchanting collection of short stories that invites young readers into the magical realm of Willow, a clever and compassionate rabbit.

Within these pages lies a treasure trove of heartwarming tales, each one carefully crafted to entertain, educate, and inspire. As readers embark on Willow's adventures, they are not merely spectators but active participants in a journey of self-discovery and growth.

At its core, "Willow's Wisdom" is more than just a collection of stories; it's a guidebook for navigating the complexities of life with grace, empathy, and resilience. Through Willow's experiences, young readers learn valuable life lessons that transcend age and time, instilling in them a sense of wisdom and understanding far beyond their years.

But what sets "Willow's Wisdom" apart from other children's books is its ability to seamlessly weave together entertainment and education. Meera Mandakini's masterful storytelling captivates the imagination, while subtly imparting lessons on kindness, courage, friendship, and perseverance.

As parents and educators seek out meaningful content for young minds, "Willow's Wisdom" emerges as a beacon of hope – a reminder that amidst the chaos of the world, there exists a sanctuary where innocence is preserved, and wisdom is shared.

To embark on this magical journey with Willow is to embark on a journey of the heart – one that leaves a lasting impression on young readers and adults alike. So, dive into the pages of "Willow's Wisdom" and unlock the secrets of life's greatest lessons with a beloved rabbit who teaches us all that true wisdom lies not in the grandeur of knowledge, but in the simplicity of kindness and compassion.

Available now on Amazon, "Willow's Wisdom" awaits eager readers, ready to enchant, entertain, and enlighten. Join Willow on her adventures, and let her wisdom illuminate the path to a brighter, more compassionate world for generations to come.

[healthhub111]

Cinema Unveiled: Illuminating the Importance of the Seventh Art in Life

Cinema, often referred to as the "Seventh Art," has emerged as one of the most influential and captivating forms of artistic expression in our society. From its humble beginnings as a mere novelty to its present status as a powerful medium of storytelling, cinema has played an indispensable role in shaping our lives and collective consciousness. This essay delves into the profound significance of cinema in our existence, exploring its power to inspire, educate, entertain, and provoke meaningful reflection.

The Magic of Visual Storytelling:

Cinema possesses a unique ability to transport us into different worlds and immerse us in the lives of diverse characters. Through its captivating visuals, evocative soundtracks, and compelling narratives, it taps into our deepest emotions and allows us to experience the entire spectrum of human experience. Whether it is the joy of laughter, the intensity of fear, or the warmth of love, cinema serves as a conduit for shared emotions, fostering empathy and understanding among individuals from various backgrounds.

A Mirror to Society:

Cinema has the remarkable ability to hold up a mirror to society, reflecting its triumphs, struggles, and complexities. It often serves as a powerful social commentary, addressing pressing issues such as discrimination, injustice, and inequality. By shedding light on these aspects of the human condition, cinema sparks conversations, challenges prevailing norms, and inspires social change. It acts as a catalyst for dialogue and encourages viewers to question their own beliefs and perspectives, fostering a deeper understanding of the world around us.

Preserving Culture and History:

Cinema acts as a repository of cultural heritage, preserving the history, traditions, and identity of different societies. It captures moments in time, documenting significant events and providing future generations with a window into the past. Through historical dramas, biopics, and documentaries, cinema not only educates us about our roots but also teaches valuable lessons from the experiences of those who came before us. It is a powerful tool for preserving and transmitting cultural knowledge, ensuring that our rich heritage is not forgotten.

Escapism and Entertainment:

Apart from its educational and enlightening aspects, cinema also serves as a source of escapism and entertainment. In a world often burdened by stress and responsibilities, cinema provides a respite-a temporary refuge where we can lose ourselves in stories that transport us away from reality. It offers moments of laughter, tears, and excitement, allowing us to experience a range of emotions and providing much-needed relief from the daily grind. In this sense, cinema serves as a form of rejuvenation, offering a break from the pressures of life.

Cinema as an Agent of Inspiration:

Cinema occupies a unique position as a medium that inspires and motivates individuals. Through the stories of extraordinary characters and their journeys, it instills hope, ignites passions, and encourages viewers to pursue their dreams. Whether it is a tale of an underdog triumphing against all odds or a portrayal of resilience in the face of adversity, cinema has the power to awaken our own inner potential and propel us towards personal growth. It sparks creativity, challenges conventions, and inspires us to push the boundaries of what we believe is possible.

In conclusion, cinema is an art form that holds immense importance in our lives. It serves as a vehicle for storytelling, a catalyst for social change, a preserver of cultural heritage, a source of entertainment, and an inspirational force. Its influence extends beyond the confines of the silver screen, permeating our thoughts, emotions, and perceptions. By embracing the power of cinema, we open ourselves to a world of possibilities—a world where imagination knows no bounds and where the magic of storytelling continues to shape and enrich our lives

If you are interested in watching the best movies for free, click here

[torixus]

How Reading Positively Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Relationships

  If you love reading, then you'll know how incredible it is to get lost in a work of fiction. Once you're in the zone, it's as if you're transported into a dreamlike state where you can touch, taste, and feel the surroundings and characters that are being described. You can breeze through a good book, unaware even that you're reading words or turning page after page. A good story can affect you and stay with you, long after you've closed the cover. I had just finished reading Calypso by David Sedaris when I realized that the book hadn't just helped me pass some time during lockdown, but it had brought me joy, laughter, and a sense of calm amongst the storm of this new normal.

Does reading bring more than a little escapism? Is it, in fact, a mindfulness tool for those who find meditation too frustrating for a mind that's forever wandering? I called on five experts to reveal exactly what is happening to our brains, mood, mental health, and more when we read a good book.

What Reading Does to Our Brains

Reading plays such a crucial part in learning when we are young—surely, those benefits don't go away once we're older? According to the University of Rochester, our brains are fully formed by age 25, but can reading as adults help keep our brains fit and healthy? In a word, yes. "The benefits of reading on our cognition are well-documented and are associated with increased cognitive function, working memory and higher-order thinking such as creative problem-solving," says learning expert and founder of tassomai.com, Murray Morrison. "Put simply, the sustained, gentle effort of building images in your head as you read keeps your brain fitter than more passive forms of entertainment, like film or TV."

And where a film is often over in 90 minutes, a novel may take days or weeks to complete. "his exercises the memory and gives us time to unconsciously speculate on the directions the plot may take, stimulating the imagination," Morrison explains.

Put simply, the sustained, gentle effort of building images in your head as you read keeps your brain fitter than more passive forms of entertainment, like film or TV.

In fact, reading goes beyond just stimulating your imagination. Natalia Ramsden, the founder of brain optimization clinic SOFOS Associates in London, explains that "when we read certain things, the part of our brain that is activated is the same part as if we were doing those things. Fiction acts as a sort of simulator and this has numerous implications for the way we ‘exercise’ parts of the brain, form new synapses, and strengthen existing ones." This helps to explain why a sad story can leave us feeling emotionally fraught, whereas a thriller could have us on the edge of our seat.

Reading is something that is worth factoring into your daily routine, just as you would brushing your teeth or doing yoga. "Reading is an activity which can keep the brain young—with every page turned or chapter devoured, the brain is working to decipher, store and retain more information," notes Dr. Emer MacSweeney, consultant neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health. "Reading provides mental exercise, which is very important in helping to protect the brain against cognitive decline in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. [It] heightens brain function and can help parts of the brain connect. Your brain is a learning machine and it needs to keep learning to optimize performance and improve your memory and thinking ability."

"Reading is more neurobiologically challenging than other methods of gathering information, such as speech or listening," adds MacSweeney. "It helps the brain process information more effectively both verbally and visually."

Not only is reading a good exercise for your brain, but it also helps help you relax and the act of it reduces stress in your body and mind, which can lead to improved mental and physical health. MacSweeney says that reading before bed is a good idea to help you unwind and prepare your body for sleep—just be mindful of reading good old fashioned hard copies instead of e-books, since the light from them can prevent your brain from entering relaxation mode.

 7 Ways Lack of Sleep Can Seriously Mess With Your Life (and Health)

What Reading Does to Our Mood and Mental Health

"As an avid reader, I am surely biased when I say there is nothing more delicious, indulgent, or satisfying than becoming lost in a good book," says Ramsden. "Page after page, soaking up spectacular writing bringing to life worlds unknown and characters misunderstood...much more is happening for us than sheer entertainment." She explains that getting lost in a good book provides a form of escapism for many and in doing that, the act of losing yourself in a book can help to lower cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone that can wreaks havoc on our bodies when spiked.

Morrison agrees, saying that reading must be celebrated for its positive mental health impact. "Where so much of our free time is spent at the mercy of dopamine-inducing technology products and cliff-hanger reality TV, the opportunity to sit quietly, comfortably, and lose oneself in a book is a valuable mental balm," he says. "Our brains are simply exhausted by 2020s life. Developing the habit of reading—and reading well—can not only be enlightening, transporting, and inspiring, but can genuinely make our lives happier, more balanced, and more worth living."

It's during times of crisis that reading can be the quiet support we all need. Dr. Maite Ferrin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health makes the point that "in crisis, we all need some reassurance and something to hold on to—this is for our personal mental well-being."

Ferrin suggests that now is a good time to take a walk down memory lane. "Reading books from childhood serves as a reminder that things will get back to “normal” or the way we used to like them," he says.

What Reading Does for Relationships

Reading may be a solitary hobby, but it's one that can reap rewards when it comes to our relationships. "Reading fiction develops us emotionally," says Ramsden. "According to Keith Oatley at the University of Toronto, reading makes us think and feel in different ways. As we bond with the fictional characters, we are learning to better understand people both on the pages and off."

She references a team of researches led by Chun-Ting Hsu at the Free University of Berlin, who coined the term "fiction feeling hypothesis," describing how narratives with emotional content actually encourage readers to feel empathy, "activating a special neural network located in the anterior insula and mid-cingulate cortex regions of the brain."

Reading makes us think and feel in different ways. As we bond with the fictional characters, we are learning to better understand people both on the pages and off.

What Different Genres and Types of Books Do to the Brain

Getting lost in a book can have a powerful effect on us. "Reading can be a virtual experience for the brain, so the genre of books we choose to read can have a serious impact on our mood and emotions, giving different virtual experiences," says Dr. Dimitrios Paschos, consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health. "A book can evoke various emotions, such as happiness, relief, anger, and sadness." 

Below, Paschos reveals how different genres and types of books can affect us—plus, we share some of our favorite book recommendations for each genre.

Thrillers

"Reading thrillers adds excitement and can help us step away from our own problems, making us realize that there are people in worse situations than ourselves."

Already hooked, right?

Literary Classics

"Literary books stimulate different parts of our brain and give them an intense workout."

Happy Stories

"Happy books can be highly beneficial to mood and can be a good distraction when you're struggling with the complexities of life, giving hope and assurance that a 'happy ever after' can exist."

"Reading nostalgic books, such as those we read and enjoyed as young adults or teens can take us back to a happier period of our life. Because the book has already been read, there is an element of comfort, safety, and reassurance; you are familiar with the characters, the contents, and, of course, the ending, so uncertainty is eliminated. 

For people struggling emotionally throughout this pandemic, reading books about nostalgia can be highly beneficial (and the smell of an old book is just wonderful!)"

Biographies and Autobiographies

"This genre can be hugely beneficial to the intellect as well as emotions. They are history lessons as told through the lives of extraordinary people, teaching us life lessons—the highs, lows, and failures. They can give us validation of our own successes and challenges, strength to face our failures, and the confidence to make self-improvements."

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[nyfacurrent]

NYFA Inducts Sanford Biggers, Karl Kellner, and Min Jin Lee into its Hall of Fame

NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellows and Patron of the Arts celebrated at April 11 Hall of Fame Benefit in Manhattan.

The New York Foundation for the Arts (NYFA) inducted three arts luminaries into its Hall of Fame during its annual benefit on April 11 at Capitale. The evening’s honorees were Sanford Biggers, a visual artist whose work speaks to current social, political, and economic happenings while examining the contexts that bore them; Karl Kellner, patron of the arts, Senior Partner, New York Office Managing Partner, McKinsey & Company, Inc., and a former NYFA Board Member; and Min Jin Lee, novelist of the best-selling books Free Food for Millionaires and Pachinko (Grand Central Publishing, 2007 and 2017). The gala was Co-Chaired by Marc Jason and J. Wesley McDade, both members of NYFA’s Board of Trustees. The silent auction was Co-Chaired by Marjorie W. Martay, a NYFA Board Member, and Marjorie Croes Silverman, a NYFA Leadership Council Member.

Guests included Tom Finkelpearl, Commissioner, New York City Department of Cultural Affairs; Anne del Castillo, Acting Commissioner, New York City Mayor’s Office of Media and Entertainment; artists Derrick Adams, Samira Abbassy, Debi Cornwall, Phyllis Galembo, Ekwa Msangi, Rajesh Parameswaran, Dread Scott (also a NYFA Board Member), Michael Stamm, and Nina Yankowitz; Thomas Bouillonnec, President & CEO, Graff Diamonds; Liz Christensen, Curator, Deutsche Bank;  Cameron Esposito, Comedian; Stephanie Gabriel, Director, Marianne Boesky Gallery; Suzanne Gluck, Literary Agent, William Morris Endeavor Entertainment; Lorin Gu, Founding Partner, Recharge Capital and NYFA Board Member; Colm Kelleher, CEO, Morgan Stanley; Huriyyah Muhammad, Founder, Black TV & Film Collective; Sang Lee, CEO, Volta Talent Strategies; Howard Pyle, SVP, Customer Experience Design, MetLife and NYFA Board Member; Lucy Sexton, Executive Director, New Yorkers for Arts and Culture; Justin Tobin, Founder & President, DDG and NYFA Board Member; Tiana Webb Evans, Founder, ESP Group and NYFA Board Member; and Shelley V. Worrell, Founder, caribBEING. Artist and NYFA Board Member Carmelita Tropicana served as the event emcee.

Nearly 300 guests gathered to celebrate the 2019 Hall of Fame inductees over cocktails, dinner, and a silent auction of art, experiences, and more. All tickets came with a signed, limited-edition print by Biggers that was created exclusively for the event. Each year, the glamorous gala recognizes the sustained achievements of artists who received early career support from NYFA, and the vision and commitment of enlightened patrons of the arts. Biggers and Lee are past recipients of the NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, which is an individual unrestricted grant made to artists who are living and working in New York State.

NYFA Board Chair Judith K. Brodsky described NYFA’s support of working artists and why the arts are especially meaningful. “Artists pave the way for dialogue and understanding among diverse viewpoints and voices, something that we desperately need in today’s world,” said Brodsky.

Karl Kellner was the first honoree of the night to be inducted into NYFA’s Hall of Fame. In his acceptance remarks he described his personal interest in the arts, how it led him to NYFA, and how he’s helped to support NYFA through his work at McKinsey & Company, Inc. Here, he describes the value that the arts bring to society, and why they’re worth fighting for: “Artists play a critical role in the world-at-large. For me, art is one of the most energizing, the most incredibly inspiring parts of the fabric of life. It needs supporters, it needs benefactors, it requires appreciators and even aficionados. So I think art is something that we all need to invest in and the return that you get is something that’s unique and personal, and very, very special.”  

Fellow honoree Sanford Biggers spoke about how he came to be an artist and described the varied influences and materials that he incorporates into his multidisciplinary work. He recounted when he received a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship, saying: “When I got the NYFA award in 2005, I was not showing with a gallery. I was extremely excited for multiple reasons: number one, I got a check, which was a good thing. But beyond that,” Biggers added, “I was acknowledged as the artist that I was becoming and I was in this interdisciplinary field. It was a validation that I didn’t have to put myself into ‘sculpture’ or ‘painting’ but I could sort of traverse between many different forms including performance and video. And I think that that acknowledgement at that point was extremely important to me, and it was an affirmation.”

Min Jin Lee discussed her process and interests, and reflected on the hardships of being a professional artist, especially as a woman of color. She also described the impact of receiving a NYSCA/NYFA Artist Fellowship: “I needed to have this kind of support that somehow what I did mattered. And that was so important to have NYFA recognize that my little question was worth supporting, and I think that when the average person in this country thinks that art matters, that’s a huge step. Because it is so often seen as less important than food, and housing, and jobs, and healthcare, and all those things are really important for me, too. But I chose this path because I think that literature can create the level of empathy that many things cannot. I believe that, I believe that with everything that I do.”

Following the award ceremony, multidisciplinary artist and choreographer Angel Kaba spoke about her experience as a mentee in NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program. Born in Belgium to parents from the Congo and Martinique, she moved to New York five years ago to chase her dream of being an artist. She recounted how she made $250 a month and lived with eight roommates during her first three years in the city. Kaba, who began to question her artistry, found positive change by participating in NYFA’s Immigrant Artist Mentoring Program: “It was about the support system. That they really cared about us, they really gave us the opportunity to be ourselves, to express, to connect, to learn to share stories and experiences with amazing talented artists of different nationalities. At the end of the program, I learned more about myself than anything else,” she said. Kaba now teaches across the United States and is a member of Alvin Ailey’s extension faculty.

The evening concluded with dessert and remarks from NYFA Executive Director Michael L. Royce. “I think everyone in this room knows that without artists many stories would not be known. Stories allow us to share who we are, what we’ve experienced, and what we imagine. They are a special communication from one individual to another, and as I was thinking about this event I realized that all of us together are making up the story of NYFA,” said Royce.

Past NYFA Awardees include Ida Applebroog, Paul Beatty, James Casebere, Christopher d’Amboise, Anna Deavere Smith, Phil Gilbert, Zhou Long, Christian Marclay, Terry McMillan, Mira Nair, Lynn Nottage, Eric Overmyer, Suzan-Lori Parks, Wendy Perron, Dwight Rhoden, Faith Ringgold, Carolee Schneemann, and Andres Serrano.

There are still items available for purchase in NYFA’s online Benefit Auction, which features artworks, event tickets, and one-of-a-kind experiences. Click here to view and buy now to help support the arts.

Legends Limousine, a family-owned car service based in Park Slope, Brooklyn, is NYFA’s transportation partner for the 2019 NYFA Hall of Fame Benefit.

Sign up for NYFA’s bi-weekly newsletter, NYFA News, to receive announcements about future NYFA events and programs.

Images: Michael L. Royce, Tom Finkelpearl, Karl Kellner, Min Jin Lee, Judith K. Brodsky, and Sanford Biggers; Dread Scott, Sanford Biggers, and Derrick Adams; Angel Kaba and Lorraine Bell; All Images Credit: Jay Brady Photography

[jvnla]

OUT NOW!!!

Happy pub day to NERVE by Eva Holland and BECOMING WILD by Carl Safina!

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Buy NERVE by Eva Holland here!

#5 Bestseller in Canada for the week of April 11!

Featured in Reader’s Digest

Named one of WIRED’s 13 Must-Read Books for Spring

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Reviews for NERVE by Eva Holland:

“Brave and emboldening. Nerve exposes fear for what it really is: a flush of chemicals, an evolutionary instinct, a mirror to the self.”—Kate Harris, author of Lands of Lost Borders “Nerve is brave and tender, and an example of why journalists treating themselves as guinea pigs should never completely go out of style.”—WIRED “Science and psychology inform the engaging memoir of an author on a self-help mission. . . . Her goal is not to eliminate fear, but to put it into perspective.”—Kirkus Reviews “Combining anecdotes that document her personal vulnerabilities with tales of outdoor adventure and just enough scientific research, Holland crafts an engaging and unique memoir. Fans of the self-help genre and popular science in the style of Mary Roach will enjoy this debut title.”—Library Journal “A readable overview of what happens when human beings lose their nerve, author Holland employs relatable life experiences to explore multiple facets of fear. . . . Readers share in the journey as Holland confronts her fears and comes to successfully manage them. . . . This might encourage readers to identify, examine, and tackle fears of their own.”—Booklist “A fascinating book . . . Much of the enjoyment of Nerve involves rooting for Holland as she attempts to wrestle her own fears to the ground, and to report on the outcome of that effort would spoil that pleasure. It’s enough to say that by the end of this account, her relationship to fear has changed, something that may well happen to the readers of her engaging book.”—Shelf Awareness “[A] courageous chronicle of many fraught years facing down two debilitating phobias. . . Poignant and humorous, Holland’s demon-chasing journey is an inspiration.”—Foreword Reviews “An enlightening intellectual road trip . . . Holland is an ideal companion—warm and intelligent, open-hearted and clear-eyed. . . . [She] has felt, and conquered—and then captured and made sense of—fears so intense that they made me wince just reading about them.”—Rob Moor, author of On Trails “I really enjoyed Nerve—Holland perfectly balances her personal story with actual science, and I appreciated the clarity with which she describes her experiences. It gave me a lot to think about.”—Alex Honnold, rock climber and author of Alone on the Wall “Nerve is a gorgeous journey . . . a love letter to life itself: to the instincts and relationships that sustain us, to all the ways we find to push through.”—Blair Braverman, Iditarod racer and author of Welcome to the Goddamn Ice Cube “A white-knuckle journey into extreme states of terror and grief. It’s a gift for all of us who are fated to live with fear and sorrow—that is, for human beings.”—Brian Phillips, author of Impossible Owls “Brave, surprising, and gorgeous. . . . by using science to understand and confront her worst fears, [Holland] shows us how to find peace with our own.”—Jason Fagone, author of The Woman Who Smashed Codes “A moving, groundbreaking look at how we can live in a world filled with dangers, both real and perceived, by one of the most talented writers working today.”—Frank Bures, author of The Geography of Madness “A raw, intimate account. . . scarily good and profoundly brave.”—Luke Dittrich, author of Patient HM

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Buy BECOMING WILD by Carl Safina here!

Reviewed in the New York Times 

Reviewed in Science Magazine

Featured on the podcast Big Picture Science

Read author Carl Safina’s article in Orion Magazine about BECOMING WILD During a Pandemic!

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Reviews for BECOMING WILD by Carl Safina:

"Safina's lovely account of his travels with researchers . . . reveals majestic, closely knit communities. . . . And few readers will doubt that these magnificent creatures need urgent attention. Enthralling." ―Kirkus Reviews (starred review)

“[A] bracing and enlightening book. . . . Safina’s writing on the watery depths and its denizens is sublime . . . [challenging] us to be more acutely aware of species whose social lives have much to teach us.” ―Science

“Seminal. . . . By drawing attention to the importance of regional variation and acculturated behavior, Safina raises important issues for environmentalists.” ―Natural History

"Eloquent. . . . This revelatory work sheds as much light on what it means to be human as it does on the nature of other species." ―Publishers Weekly

Praise for Carl Safina

“Dr. Safina is a terrific writer, majestic and puckish in equal measure, with a contagious enthusiasm. . . . He draws out haunting resonances between animal lives and our own. . . . Captivating.” ―The New York Times

“[Safina] felicitously combines lambent writing with dazzling facts . . . illuminating our knowledge of significant and engaging subjects.” ―The Washington Post

“Brilliant . . . Each of Safina’s beautifully limned animal portraits is the weight of human influence and a challenge to exercise the power of empathy. . . . [Safina] is a font of research, his wonder contagious.” ―Elle

“Safina’s engaging writing takes readers along on his journey, so that we learn about these creatures as he does. . . . His adventures with researchers observing wild animals in the field are fascinating . . . entertaining, and informative.” ―Slate

[torixus]

How Reading Positively Affects Your Brain, Mood, and Relationships

  If you love reading, then you'll know how incredible it is to get lost in a work of fiction. Once you're in the zone, it's as if you're transported into a dreamlike state where you can touch, taste, and feel the surroundings and characters that are being described. You can breeze through a good book, unaware even that you're reading words or turning page after page. A good story can affect you and stay with you, long after you've closed the cover. I had just finished reading Calypso by David Sedaris when I realized that the book hadn't just helped me pass some time during lockdown, but it had brought me joy, laughter, and a sense of calm amongst the storm of this new normal.

Does reading bring more than a little escapism? Is it, in fact, a mindfulness tool for those who find meditation too frustrating for a mind that's forever wandering? I called on five experts to reveal exactly what is happening to our brains, mood, mental health, and more when we read a good book.

What Reading Does to Our Brains

Reading plays such a crucial part in learning when we are young—surely, those benefits don't go away once we're older? According to the University of Rochester, our brains are fully formed by age 25, but can reading as adults help keep our brains fit and healthy? In a word, yes. "The benefits of reading on our cognition are well-documented and are associated with increased cognitive function, working memory and higher-order thinking such as creative problem-solving," says learning expert and founder of tassomai.com, Murray Morrison. "Put simply, the sustained, gentle effort of building images in your head as you read keeps your brain fitter than more passive forms of entertainment, like film or TV."

And where a film is often over in 90 minutes, a novel may take days or weeks to complete. "his exercises the memory and gives us time to unconsciously speculate on the directions the plot may take, stimulating the imagination," Morrison explains.

Put simply, the sustained, gentle effort of building images in your head as you read keeps your brain fitter than more passive forms of entertainment, like film or TV.

In fact, reading goes beyond just stimulating your imagination. Natalia Ramsden, the founder of brain optimization clinic SOFOS Associates in London, explains that "when we read certain things, the part of our brain that is activated is the same part as if we were doing those things. Fiction acts as a sort of simulator and this has numerous implications for the way we ‘exercise’ parts of the brain, form new synapses, and strengthen existing ones." This helps to explain why a sad story can leave us feeling emotionally fraught, whereas a thriller could have us on the edge of our seat.

Reading is something that is worth factoring into your daily routine, just as you would brushing your teeth or doing yoga. "Reading is an activity which can keep the brain young—with every page turned or chapter devoured, the brain is working to decipher, store and retain more information," notes Dr. Emer MacSweeney, consultant neuroradiologist at Re:Cognition Health. "Reading provides mental exercise, which is very important in helping to protect the brain against cognitive decline in diseases such as Alzheimer’s. [It] heightens brain function and can help parts of the brain connect. Your brain is a learning machine and it needs to keep learning to optimize performance and improve your memory and thinking ability."

"Reading is more neurobiologically challenging than other methods of gathering information, such as speech or listening," adds MacSweeney. "It helps the brain process information more effectively both verbally and visually."

Not only is reading a good exercise for your brain, but it also helps help you relax and the act of it reduces stress in your body and mind, which can lead to improved mental and physical health. MacSweeney says that reading before bed is a good idea to help you unwind and prepare your body for sleep—just be mindful of reading good old fashioned hard copies instead of e-books, since the light from them can prevent your brain from entering relaxation mode.

 7 Ways Lack of Sleep Can Seriously Mess With Your Life (and Health)

What Reading Does to Our Mood and Mental Health

"As an avid reader, I am surely biased when I say there is nothing more delicious, indulgent, or satisfying than becoming lost in a good book," says Ramsden. "Page after page, soaking up spectacular writing bringing to life worlds unknown and characters misunderstood...much more is happening for us than sheer entertainment." She explains that getting lost in a good book provides a form of escapism for many and in doing that, the act of losing yourself in a book can help to lower cortisol levels—the primary stress hormone that can wreaks havoc on our bodies when spiked.

Morrison agrees, saying that reading must be celebrated for its positive mental health impact. "Where so much of our free time is spent at the mercy of dopamine-inducing technology products and cliff-hanger reality TV, the opportunity to sit quietly, comfortably, and lose oneself in a book is a valuable mental balm," he says. "Our brains are simply exhausted by 2020s life. Developing the habit of reading—and reading well—can not only be enlightening, transporting, and inspiring, but can genuinely make our lives happier, more balanced, and more worth living."

It's during times of crisis that reading can be the quiet support we all need. Dr. Maite Ferrin, Consultant Psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health makes the point that "in crisis, we all need some reassurance and something to hold on to—this is for our personal mental well-being."

Ferrin suggests that now is a good time to take a walk down memory lane. "Reading books from childhood serves as a reminder that things will get back to “normal” or the way we used to like them," he says.

What Reading Does for Relationships

Reading may be a solitary hobby, but it's one that can reap rewards when it comes to our relationships. "Reading fiction develops us emotionally," says Ramsden. "According to Keith Oatley at the University of Toronto, reading makes us think and feel in different ways. As we bond with the fictional characters, we are learning to better understand people both on the pages and off."

She references a team of researches led by Chun-Ting Hsu at the Free University of Berlin, who coined the term "fiction feeling hypothesis," describing how narratives with emotional content actually encourage readers to feel empathy, "activating a special neural network located in the anterior insula and mid-cingulate cortex regions of the brain."

Reading makes us think and feel in different ways. As we bond with the fictional characters, we are learning to better understand people both on the pages and off.

What Different Genres and Types of Books Do to the Brain

Getting lost in a book can have a powerful effect on us. "Reading can be a virtual experience for the brain, so the genre of books we choose to read can have a serious impact on our mood and emotions, giving different virtual experiences," says Dr. Dimitrios Paschos, consultant psychiatrist at Re:Cognition Health. "A book can evoke various emotions, such as happiness, relief, anger, and sadness." 

Below, Paschos reveals how different genres and types of books can affect us—plus, we share some of our favorite book recommendations for each genre.

Thrillers

"Reading thrillers adds excitement and can help us step away from our own problems, making us realize that there are people in worse situations than ourselves."

Already hooked, right?

Literary Classics

"Literary books stimulate different parts of our brain and give them an intense workout."

Happy Stories

"Happy books can be highly beneficial to mood and can be a good distraction when you're struggling with the complexities of life, giving hope and assurance that a 'happy ever after' can exist."

"Reading nostalgic books, such as those we read and enjoyed as young adults or teens can take us back to a happier period of our life. Because the book has already been read, there is an element of comfort, safety, and reassurance; you are familiar with the characters, the contents, and, of course, the ending, so uncertainty is eliminated. 

For people struggling emotionally throughout this pandemic, reading books about nostalgia can be highly beneficial (and the smell of an old book is just wonderful!)"

Biographies and Autobiographies

"This genre can be hugely beneficial to the intellect as well as emotions. They are history lessons as told through the lives of extraordinary people, teaching us life lessons—the highs, lows, and failures. They can give us validation of our own successes and challenges, strength to face our failures, and the confidence to make self-improvements."

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