As a high school student, I understand how fast-paced and busy life gets. We’re ultra-normalized to the fast pace at which almost everything moves. We swipe quickly. We go about our days in a rush trying to get to the next. In this constantly moving world, reading books as teenagers can have many benefits. 

First, reading books connects our generation to the past. Without reading, we can’t truly understand allusions referenced in the news, movies, and the media. To be highly literate and commutative, we have to understand basic historical references. One day, when we’re in a room full of coworkers and other adults, we will want to understand jokes and stories that include these allusions to literature. Icarus flying close to the sun, Romeo and Juliet’s forbidden love, Adam and Eve’s sins in the Garden of Eden: without understanding simple allusions like these, we wouldn’t be able to engage in deeper conversation with those around us, especially in a work or learning environment. 

Additionally, reading increases mental health and helps increase focus. When I do put aside time to read, I feel instantly rewarded. Reading slows you down and helps your brain relax from the constant chaos of everyday life. Studies show that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%. It helps your mind reset, by focusing on another topic. Once you find a good book, it can be a great distraction and transport you into a more creative and focused state of mind. McKenzi Reiter (11) agrees, claiming she “feels calm when she takes the time to slow down and pick up a book.” 

Books also drastically increase your capability of almost everything else school-wise. Good readers are good writers. Good readers are good listeners. Good readers are good speakers. It all starts with literature consumption; once you consume enough new vocabulary through books, you can begin the second part: production. This is a challenge for many, but reading even just ten pages daily will reap major benefits. Experts claim that reading fiction can help people understand their feelings and beliefs about clothes. Researchers call this, “the theory of the mind.” Being well-read makes writing, thinking, formulating opinions, and creating arguments so much easier. And having these skills developed in high school or college will increase opportunities for your future. McKenzi adds, “I’ve learned so much more from reading in my high school classes than I expected to. Books teach you not just about that set of characters or plot points. They teach you about the real world.” 

In a world where literacy is a dying art, just read a book. People are losing the value of a book, as it becomes easier to SparkNotes, Chat GPT, or Google a summary of virtually any piece of literature. But remember, books give us gifts and benefits– the ability to empathize, stronger analytical skills, improved focus, and stress reduction– that modern shortcuts never could.