Reading can transform a person’s life one page at a time; One student tells her story

By: Sidney Mansueto

Sidney at her computer smiling. Credit: Sidney Mansueto

The idea of reading a book can bore some people, while for others it can be exciting. Reading a book from time to time can grow into a pastime, one that helps a person gain new knowledge. Expanding one’s interests is always a smart move on behalf of the individual. 

Reading can serve as a therapeutic practice and ease a person of any distress or discomfort they could be under. There are specific factors that may influence a person to pick up a book; it just might be the cover artwork that stands out, or maybe the title is intriguing. Sometimes, it is the small amount of details given on the back of a book.

  Books are like a rainbow- an endless amount of colors, shapes, and sizes. Everyone’s experience through reading is unique to their own individuality and interests. Some prefer newspapers to magazines, while some prefer mystery to classic fiction.

  Speaking from experience as someone whose mind is extremely wide open most of the time, opening up any kind of book makes me feel elated. Developing healthy reading habits can change one’s life dramatically and transform their mind and soul in ways they would have never imagined. Never judge a book by its cover- because you might learn a thing or two! 

Reading has been an important part of my life since my early childhood. There was no feeling sweeter than the feeling of joy when I stepped foot into a library. A trip to the library was an adventure awaiting. 

From the warmth and kindness of the librarian came a pleasant welcome and friendliness, which made me smile. I remember going into the Animal section and picking up a book on whatever animal fascinated me at the time. 

“The Very Hungry Caterpillar” was sitting on a shelf, and my eyes just could not resist. I remember checking out the book and loving it. Today, it is a favorite childhood memory.

  As a child, I read a vast array of works, written by some of the most critically-praised and beloved authors in children’s literature, such as Roald Dahl, E.B. White, Beverly Cleary, and Judy Blume. 

Reading these figures’ works has introduced me to different styles of writing and story structure. There is a lot that goes into the development of a story, and the artistry of a piece of literature illustrates this. 

Growing into the healthy habit of reading is a form of education. Educating yourself on new subjects, vocabulary, concepts, and methods of thinking can be a brain-empowerment tool, often fixing the faults that once existed. Reading ten to twenty pages a night is a stable starting point.

  Through reading, you are learning and growing. Transforming the way you think and act is a key aspect of mental and personal growth. To live a healthy and positive life, you are going to have to sacrifice ignorant and often damaging poor habits. It can feel exhaustingly impossible at first thought, but nothing is impossible with determination. 

For some, reading can be an excellent source of therapy. Therapeutic and mind-easing, reading has endless benefits to one’s mental health. Emotional stress can be difficult to live with, especially during a pandemic, but finding appropriate coping mechanisms such as reading, can help a person cope with the daily struggles they face from anxiety and depression.

Poetry has a talent of singing to the soul, in a rhythmic beat. Reading a work of fiction can take a person on a trip to a character’s world, and this sometimes feels like a breath of fresh air. While reading a book, you can travel without the hefty fees and financial responsibilities!  Reading is an art of freedom. 

My life has forever changed since growing passionate about reading. Every piece of literature is its own adventure, and the beauty lies beneath every page. Reading every morning and every night is self-respect, as the words soak in the mind and clean the soul. I feel most at peace when I am reading, learning, and growing.

  As libraries grow larger by the scale, try opening up your mind by reading one title a month. Exposure to newness is self-care, and reading can improve an individual’s life in the best ways. There is joy in reading, and with joy, comes pride.

  An individual can gain a great amount of knowledge by appreciating the art of literature and all that it brings. 

Recommended works: 

“Evil Women: Deadlier than the Male” by John Marlowe 

“A Lucky Man” by Jamel Brinkley 

“Just Kids” by Patti Smith 

“Tenant of Fire: Poems by Ryan Black” by Ryan Black 

“As I Lay Dying” by William Faulkner 

“The Adventures of Tom Sawyer” by Mark Twain