Here’s How To Revive Your Love of Books
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Book-ish: It’s common for adults to abandon books after they’ve finished school, and overall, reading is on the decline. In 2004, 28% of adults said they read books or listened to audiobooks for pleasure. In 2023, it was 16%. Even so, 15% of U.S. adults listed reading more as a 2026 New Year’s resolution, according to a YouGov survey. The problem is, all that short-form content we’re used to consuming can make sitting down to read a book challenging.
The Benefits: Not surprisingly, reading is good for the brain. Research has found reading improves memory, processing speed, and attention span. It also protects against cognitive decline, lowers stress, and may even help you live longer. Researchers from the Yale School of Public Health found regular readers live an average of 23 months longer than their counterparts.
How to Do It: Think about a TV show or movie you love, then pick a book in that same genre. (Librarians and bookstore employees give great recommendations.) Set aside reading time, and start small (about 20 pages at a time). Look at your existing habits, and identify places where a book can be swapped in. When reading becomes a habit, it gets easier.
