December is commonly known as a month full of holidays, but did you know that it is also Read a New Book Month? The perfect way to combat that holiday stress is to pick up a good book and get lost in its pages. All those anxieties will melt away as you escape into another world.
Reading, while enjoyable, is also good for us. Studies have shown that reading can reduce mental decline in old age by up to 32%. Reading can improve our relationships with other people as well, through enhanced skills in decision-making and emotional intelligence. Reading benefits everyone!
Not sure where to start? Think about the last book you read that brought you joy. Was it a mystery? A classic? A self-help book or true crime? See if there are other books in that genre that appeal to you. If you haven’t enjoyed a book since childhood, maybe reread a childhood favorite to get you started, and think about what you enjoyed in that book, so you know what to look for when selecting a new book. So, whether you’re reading Charlotte’s Web or Pride and Prejudice, find a book that you care about. If a book doesn’t spark joy, try another instead. There are no rules for Read a New Book Month! Reading should be enjoyable. If reading from an actual book is difficult, mentally or physically, consider audiobooks. You can listen to an audiobook while doing other tasks and hitting the play button may feel less overwhelming than opening a new book.
If you’re still not sure where to start, Book Riot has a list of suggested books for older adults. Happy reading!