October is National Book Month, the time to read, read, read! For people who like to read, it takes them to a different place in their mind; when loud thoughts take over, reading is their safe place. Many people use reading as a way to help their mental health because it can be beneficial in managing stress and gaining better focus.
National Book Month takes place during a fitting time because many people view reading as a fall activity. The colder weather encourages people to take advantage of the cozy nature of reading. Junior Lily Sexton, often finds herself reading more during the fall. Whenever she’s stressed out or needs to take a break from things, sitting down and reading a book helps her a lot.
“Reading, for me, has always kind of been tied to weather, because you can have a lot of really cozy reading days and stuff like that. With the colder weather, you’re inside a lot more, so there’s a lot more opportunities to sit down with a good book. So I think fall is a really good season for reading,” Sexton said. “Whenever I’m really stressed out or I need to take a break from things, taking a second to just sit down and read is good for my mental health. Most of the time I read whenever I’m in a reading mood, I can normally read one or two books a week, and I spend time reading every day.”
Reading can take kids to so many different places and offer experiences that they may not get in everyday life. Because of the large variety of literature available, many avid readers believe there is a book for everyone. Librarian Candice Forsyth sees that, with not being able to have their phones, kids have begun reading more.
“I’ve seen a very large increase of kids reading, and then we’re doing our monthly Beanstack challenges so they know, if they read a certain number of minutes, they get prizes. There is a book for everyone, we will sit down and talk to students about what they like, and we’ll find something. I see students reading every day, whether they come in here for lunch to read, or they’re one of my office aides reading. Then on Fridays, we have a lot of kids here reading for TCC. Reading does something to the mind where it brightens it, and you don’t realize you’re learning, but you are,” Forsyth said. “Some people love it [reading] because they learn. Other people love it because it takes them to another world. The fantasy readers are transported to these fantasy worlds of the supernatural and mystical type worlds, and then if you like thriller and crime, that kind of gives you more of an edge of your seat type experience. Reading is wonderful for the mind, and studies have shown that the more you read, the better the test scores. I’ve seen a lot of the kids come in here that are reading, and a lot of them are in AP classes, and some of them are reading to better themselves as well. I feel that starting kids at a young age of reading can really help them move forward in life.”
While finding time to read can be difficult, many readers make a point to spare time for reading. National Book Month is the perfect time to set aside some extra time and read. Senior Jude Pham looks at reading as a transport to a different place, and an escape from whatever is troubling him.
“I actually didn’t know that it was national book month, but that’s really great. I have been trying to read more books in the summer. I had a plan of trying to read a lot of books, especially in July, I read a couple books. One of them was Steven Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. And then I also read Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere. Those are two really good books that I read. I should start reading some in October instead of July, because it’s book month. I do see how it [fall] is the reading season, you know, just a bunch of cozy times,” Pham said. “When you read, it can help transport students. It transports you into a different place, and in that place you escape from what’s been troubling you, or you also look into another person’s viewpoint, of how to help yourself better as well. It’s kind of hard to do that [read], because usually whenever school comes around and things like that, there’s other things to worry about as well. But maybe I’ll look into reading something soon, hopefully.”
Seeing kids reading is enjoyable for all teachers, but especially Advanced English I teacher Amy Markan. Reading is an important part of life. Students’ skills in reading and writing increase immensely which helps them become more emotionally intelligent. Markan hopes that National Book Month can inspire more students to read.
“I don’t even know that kids know that it’s national book month. Hopefully it increases reading for the kids. I do see kids reading quite often. I think they just need to find something that they’re interested in. I think a lot of the time, because we live in the age of technology and gaming and social media, reading is sort of dying. But if they found something they were interested in, I think they would see that there’s so much to offer in these books. I don’t see them reading as much as they used to, but because I’ve got such amazing kids, I do see that there is a passion for reading. I think that comes from home. I think we’ve got parents who are still pushing their kids to read. So in my classes, I especially see my students reading. I think for some kids, it gives them an outlet to be able to live in this other area. I think for me, when I was their age, I loved young adult books, and sometimes when I was having a low moment, or I felt like a friend had done me dirty or something, I was just kind of like, this is a whole other realm of friendships. It just was seeing how other people lived. It was another viewpoint of life. I do think if students read the right kind of books, it absolutely can impact you mentally in a positive way,” Markan said.
Reading is a hobby that greatly benefits students in school. Having free time during school provides more time for students to read and enjoy reading, by not feeling rushed. With it being National Book Month, junior Jozalyn Young finds herself being more motivated to read.
“I feel like it [National Book Month] motivates me more to read all the books that I’ve been putting to the side throughout the year. Honestly, I feel like it’s a perfect time to get cozy and get that perfect vibe just to read. I think that it can be very impactful when it comes to mental health, especially if you’re dealing with things, it can be an escape. I think reading can definitely add to your intelligence. I read, if I get a chance, every single night. I like any type of book. Typically fantasy, and romance. My favorite book series would have to be It Ends With Us,” Young said.
National Book Month is a great way to encourage people to begin reading. Senior Summer Younger, who sees reading as a way to transport people to a different world, finds this encouragement crucial for new readers.
“I think it’s great, because I love reading, so I like that it gets its own month for recognition. I feel like it does take people away from their current situation and make them feel better about the scenarios in life right now. I try to read one or two books a month. I like to read anything, some of my favorites are fantasy, romance, and thriller. Right now I’m reading Better Than The Movies,” Younger said.
Reading offers more than just mental stimulation; it can significantly enhance your emotional intelligence as well. By exposing people to different perspectives and experiences, books can help them develop greater empathy for others. Whether you consider yourself an avid reader or not, there are books that can speak to a variety of interests, needs, or curiosities. Exploring stories beyond your own can enrich your understanding of the world and the people around you.