By Michael K. Brantley
It’s easy for me to say reading is good for you. I’ve loved reading since before I could read — back when my mama would never let me go to bed without a story.
I learned a lot from books, and since we lived on a farm, we didn’t “go to town” much. Eventually, as I wrote in my first book, I went through so many books, the Bookmobile made our house an official stop.
Later, a writing professor encouraged me to read as much as possible, especially if I was having writer’s bloc. I have found it to be the best cure, and it doesn’t matter what it is — good writing fixes a lot of things. I offer the same remedy to my writing students.
Many students tell me they don’t read because they “don’t have time.” Like any good dad, I usually say something about how we usually make time for the things we want to do, and then ask how much time they spend looking at things on their phones. I get some really spectacular eye rolls that I enjoy. However, I’ve run across yet another article on the perks of reading, which I’ve inserted a link to below. While the source is unlikely, it is a short read and very interesting.