From a very young age, I have always loved to read. Reading to me was an escape from the problems or worries I faced at a young age since I magically transformed into the characters of my book. Sometimes my imagination would be so vivid that I would see the whole world around me mirror the contents of the book I was reading at each moment.
It made me feel like I belonged somewhere, someplace and it shaped my view of my little world.
It all started when I was nine years old, and this was the time that I first visited my local library. I was amazed at the number of available books, the vast selection of books ranging in different themes of thriller, action, comedy, romance to mental health and I instantly knew this is where I want to be. From this age, I always had the habit of starting a book and never finishing it because my mind would fabricate an ending suited to me.
As much as I loved books, I could never finish them because I was always afraid that the endings would not relate to me or make me happy as books during that early time were an escape.
The first official book I fully read by myself was when I was ten years old, and it was Matilda by Roald Dahl.
The simplicity of the writing made it easier for me to read and understand but it was the storyline that got me hooked. Matilda is brave and courageous; she stands up for herself against people who are bigger and older than her and this inspired me.
Even at my ripe old age of twenty-one, reading is still an integral part of my life. I constantly become inspired by the characters and authors of the books I read, and I later learned that books are not only a tool for healing, but they help you immensely academically.
Reading has many benefits that include:
● Improving vocabulary and writing skills.
● Increasing memory.
● Developing analytical thinking.
● Helping with focus and concentration.
● Increasing your knowledge.
I always wondered why I used to do better in English than I did in Maths, and this may be why. Becoming better at English gave me the confidence to help my younger brother with his reading. Reading to your siblings or children at a young age is also so powerful yet simple because it brings comfort and feelings of love that encourage positive growth and development.
Now as we all know, I can’t stop reading and reading to others, but when was the last time you paid a visit to your local library? When was the last time you read? If it has been a while, the National Read a Book Day is a perfect day to start reading, even if it is for ten minutes a day.
The 6th of September 2022 marks the annual celebration of the National Read a Book Day.
This day raises awareness of just taking a break and getting lost in a book! If you are pressed for time, maybe download, and listen to an audiobook on your daily commute or invest in a kindle if you cannot access a library or bookstore!
Reading for many is the first skill taught at school and it is a fundamental human right for all. It helps you discover the world whilst working your brain muscles. From reading, literacy rates have increased greatly in the UK, however universal literacy is far from reality.
From the United Nations Association – UK (UNA-UK):
1. Nearly a billion people entered the 21st century unable to read a book or sign their names. One in five adults is still not literate
2. In the UK the literacy rate is 99%, which means one in every hundred struggles to read and write.
Reading is such an important aspect of all our lives, so let’s uplift each other and read to improve and move forward.
Together let’s silence the noise and turn some pages.
Further Reading:
Ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all