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The 26 Major Advantages to Reading More Books and Why 3 in 4 People Are Being Shut Out of Success

by BRAD I SAA C on DECEMBER 5, 2007

I read a Associated Press-Ipsos poll revealing that 1 in 4 adults read no books last year. Yes, thats 25% of the adults out there are readingzero books. This is sad. I knew intuitively the number of books read each year had gone down but tozero? Ridiculous! And what about the adults who are reading more than zero books a year. How many are they reading in all? One? Five? Actually, the same poll reveals the average adult reads only four books per year. Half of those people read less than four. If you are one of the non-book readers who feels you dont need no stinking books, here are 26 great reasons to start the habitbefore you are left behind! 1. Reading is an active mental process Unlike TV, books make you to use your brain. By reading, you think more and become smarter. 2. It is a fundamental skill builder - Every good course on the planet has a matching book to go with it. Why? Because books help clarify difficult subjects. Books provide information that goes deeper than just classroom discussion. 3. Improves your vocabulary Remember in elementary school when you learned how to infer the meaning of one word by reading the context of the other words in the sentence? You get the same benefit from book reading. While reading books, especially challenging ones,

you will find yourself exposed to many new words you wouldnt be otherwise. 4. Gives you a glimpse into other cultures and places What is your favorite vacation spot? I would bet you read a lot about that destination. The more information the better. Books can expand your horizons by letting you see what other cities and countries have to offer before you visit them. 5. Improves concentration and focus Like I pointed out before, reading books takes brain power. It requires you to focus on what you are reading for long periods. Unlike magazines, Internet posts or e-Mails that might contain small chunks of information. Books tell the whole story. Since you must concentrate in order to read, like a muscle, you will get better at concentration. 6. Builds self-esteem By reading more books, you become better informed and more of an expert on the topics you read about. This expertise translates into higher self esteem. Since you are so well read, people look to you for answers. Your feelings about yourself can only get better. 7. Improves memory Many studies show if you dont use your memory, you lose it. Crossword puzzles are an example of a word game that staves off Alzheimers. Reading, although not a game, helps you stretch your memory muscles in a similar way. Reading requires remembering details, facts and figures and in literature, plot lines, themes and characters. 8. Improves your discipline Obviously, if 1 in 4 people dont read one book per year, then there is a discipline issue. There may be many causes for people not reading books such as the quips of information you can get on the Internet. TV is also a major distracter. Making time to read is something we all know we should do, but who schedules book reading time every day? Very few Thats why adding book reading to your daily schedule and sticking to it, improves discipline. 9. Learn anywhere Books are portable. You can take them almost anywhere. As such, you can learn almost anywhere too. 10. Improves creativity by reading more books and exposing yourself to new and more complete information, you will also be able to come up with more creative ideas. As a personal example, I read many,

many books on IT Networking. So often, when IT Admins are stumped with a problem, I can come up with a creative (smack your head simple) solution that isnt written anywhere. But the reason I can do that is because I have read so many books on the subject, I can combine lessons from all of them into new solutions. 11. Gives you something to talk about Have you ever run out of stuff to talk about with your best friend, wife or husband? This can be uncomfortable. It might even make married couples wonder if their marriage is in trouble. However, if you read a lot of books, youll always have something to talk about. You can discuss various plots in the novels you read, you can discuss the stuff you are learning in the business books you are reading as well. The possibilities of sharing are endless. 12. Books are inexpensive entertainment Whats the average price of a movie ticket these days? $8 $10? You can buy a paperback for that price and be entertained for many hours more. If you have a used bookstore nearby, you can get them even cheaper. Tip: Once you make reading a habit, youll enjoy reading the books in your chosen career as well. 13. You can learn at your own pace Where formal education requires time commitments, books have no late-bells or hourly commitments. So you can learn at your own pace when you read books. 14. New mental associations I touched on this above. As you read more books the depth and breadth of your knowledge expands and your ability to form new associations increases. In reading a book to discover the solution to one problem, you find the solution to others you may not have considered. 15. Improves your reasoning skills Books for professionals contain arguments for or against the actions within. A book on cooking argues that Chili powder goes well with beef and goes poorly with ice-cream. A book on building a business argues that testing an idea for profitability before setting up is a smart strategy and argues against just barreling forward with the idea without testing. You too will be able to reason better with the knowledge you gain. Some of the arguments will rub off on you. Others you will argue against. Regardless, youll be reasoning better.

16. Builds your expertise Brian Tracy has said one way to become an expert in your chosen field is to read 100 books on the subject. He also said by continuing the same for 5 years youll become an international expert. With the Internet and blogs, you could hone that time down to 2-3 years if you follow through. 17. Saves money Apart from saving money on entertainment expenses. Reading books that help you develop your skills saves money. Reading books on how someone went bankrupt will be a warning to you against repeating their mistakes. Reading a book on how to build your own backyard deck saves the expense of hiring a contractor. 18. Decreases mistakes Although I would never suggest putting off an important goal because you fear making mistakes, it is still important to sharpen the saw (link to A.L. post). When you gather the deep and widewisdom that books can provide, you are less apt to make mistakes. 19. Youll discover surprises - As you read more books as a source of information, youll learn stuff you werent looking for. Ive read many great quotes on life and love by reading books on marketing. Ive learned facts about biology from reading about chemistry. Heck, Ive picked up some facts about history while reading about programming. Since so many subjects intertwine its almost impossible not to learn something other than the books subject. 20. Decreased boredom One of the rules I have is if I am feeling bored, I will pick up a book and start reading. What Ive found by sticking to this is that I become interested in the books subject and stop being bored. I mean, if youre bored anyway, you might as well be reading a good book, right? 21. Can change your life How many times have you heard of a book changing someones life? For me, it was Your Erroneous Zones (link) by Wayne Dyer which is the first self-development book I read. It opened my eyes to a whole new way of thinking that was not depressing and dull. It was the first step in my path of choosing my own life and being free of old habitual thought patterns. There are many, many other books out there that have a reputation for changing lives including Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity, Handbook to Higher Consciousness, Atlas Shrugged , A

Tree Grows in Brooklyn, Lord of the Rings and Black Boy to name a few. But you can start in your chosen field and work your way outward. 22. Can help break a slump Being in a slump is uncomfortable. If you are a writer, you call it writers block. If you are a salesperson, its called not making a sale in 23 days. But a slump can be a crossroads. It might be you are wavering on your commitment to a particular project or (with marriage) person. Or a slump can be simply a lack of new ideas. Books are a great source of ideas, big and small. So if you find yourself in a slump, pick a book on the portion of your life you are slump-ing and get to reading! 23. Reduces stress - Many avid readers (including me) unwind by reading. Compared with the person who gets home from work and immediately turns on the TV news, you are going from work stress to crime stress. But its not just news. TV as a source of relaxation is too full of loud commercials and fast moving (often violent) images. If relaxation is something you want, turn off the TV or computer and pick up a book. 24. Gets you away from digital distractions If you, like many others, feel overwhelmed with the flashing lights, beeps, boops and ringa-dings that burn up our computing lives, then give books a chance. When you find some good books, youll find yourself drawn into the subject matter. Youll want to spend more time reading. By spending more time reading books, youll have less time for the plethora of the digital gadgets begging for our attention. 25. Youll make more money - If you make a serious effort to read in your chosen career, your expertise in that specialty will increase. As you become more specialized and learned, you join a smaller group of more qualified people. By being part of the small few with the highest level knowledge your pay will increase. Its simple supply and demand. 26. The book is always better than the movie except for perhaps No Country for Old Men. What are some of the most important books you have read? What is the title that changed your life? If youve found a book that made a major change in how you work, live or love, please tell us about it in the comments below.

Advantages of Reading Good Parenting Books


y y y y Thursday, November 4, 2010, 12:22 good parenting, parenting tips 605 views Add a comment

There are many benefits that could be derived from reading good parenting books. Many parents gain the knowledge of their complicated issue in this world through their past encounter on the earth but despite they still need more knowledge in some areas in other to have good parenting. You do not need any handbook on parent guide to carry out parenting neither do you change to better somebody when you gave birth to a girl or boy. Furthermore, as your children grow up, they will never disclose any of their questions which is bothering their mind to you in which it could cause fear in the mind of the parents. There are plenty rewards in reading good parenting books and very plain. a. One of the advantages of reading good parenting books is that it will help you to manage your home before the arrival of your children and when the children comes, if there is any bugging problems, you will be able to tackle them even you will be able to identify the problem before it happens. Reading a child rearing books will be of help. b. It is also advisable to buy good parenting books that will tell you all the necessary things that you will need through out the age one of your child. Through this you will have the knowledge of what you will probably pass through and when the need arise; you will know that you are on the right track. c. Another advantage that to be derived from reading good parenting books is to know more about children health challenges and how to tackle them. When you are familiar with the symptoms and the names of all this viruses and sicknesses of your baby or kid and the cure of

the diseases, then your anxiety will not be too high and you will spend less in the hospital on your childs medication and medical check ups. d. Nutrition knowledge is another advantage that could be derived from child rearing books. This will let you know the right proportion of meals that is good for your health and that of your children. With the help of the good parenting books, you will be able to prepare a food for your children which they will not be able to resist. e. Reading good parenting books written by pediatricians and psychologists as you will have enough knowledge medically on how to train and nurture your kids.

Young Children and the Benefits of Reading

All official research shows that the early years involve the highest rates of learning, and the habits formed at a young age will stay with them for a lifetime. It's therefore a perfect time to introduce children to books which educate and inform throughout life. Children of any age can benefit from experiencing books on a day to day basis, and it's always best to make time for children to be read or be read to each and every day. A good selection of quality children's books is a very important part of the whole literacy process, but not all children's book are recommended. Grabbing a children's book or two at a supermarket check-out is no guarantee of quality, and children may become bored or turned-off reading by some less authoritative works on the market. Independent local children book stores will often offer a wide selection of good quality children's books from leading children's authors and book publishing houses, usually broken down into sections according to age suitability. Some of the high street book shops also have large children's book departments with similarly well stocked children's book departments. Books by leading children's authors and publishers can also be bought online for those seeking the convenience of mail order buying.

Here's a few tips when considering books for children of all ages:

Baby Books (0-2 years)


Children are never too young to enjoy books, and for babies it's not just about reading the words. It's also about enjoying the interaction with the parents as the child sits with them and enjoys the attention. Babies feel comforted by a parents voice, but also finds interest in the brightly coloured, simple images and pictures featured in many baby books. They enjoy listening and respond well to books with a simple text or good rhythm. Once old enough to sit up and handle the books themselves they'll enjoy "touchy-feely" books that stimulate the senses with different textures. Board books of washable vinyl or washable cloth are particularly useful for babies who enjoy a good chew ! Lift-flap books help in the development of a child dexterity, and button activated sounds and melody books add sound to the experience. Finally, bedtime stories are a great way to help send babies off to sleep, and help to develop memory skills during repeated tellings of favourite tales. Introducing reading to babies sets them on the road to the wonders of the written word, and help provide a useful grounding in listening and reading skills as they grow.

Toddler Books (2-3 years)

Toddlers also love the bright colours and images, as well as the repetitive text of stories that focus on familiar everyday events. At this young age, books do not have to include words in order to be enjoyable. Toddlers have the imagination to take picture books and create their own stories around the various pictures in the book. Toddlers often enjoy looking at the same book, or having the same story read to them over and over again as they anticipate what is on the next page. They also particularly enjoy children's books with rhythmic or lyrical words. Energetic toddlers can be quite rough when handling the books themselves, and it is best to have a few hardboard books for them to play with. They also enjoy the interest offered in lift the flap books and pop-up books, but be prepared for some to be torn to shreds ! It's also a good age to learn the basics of language and numbers, and reading along to stories and counting books will aid their understanding of words and numbers. Favourite characters, such as those from television programmes, are a particularly good way of teaching the basics in fun ways they will enjoy.

Preschooler's Books (3-5 years)


Preschool children are often excited to read and learn about the wider world outside of their home, school, or environment. They enjoy listening to slightly more complex texts with more in-depth characters and still enjoy good rhythm and some repetition. Stories with a sequence allow children to predict, repeat sounds, and make word plays. Preschoolers should experience a variety of different subjects, such as fairy tales and fact-filled non-fiction books. Books on people from different times or other countries arouse their natural curiosity, and encourage a hunger to learn more about the subjects featured. Books about the natural world, from the familiar animals and wildlife around them to the more exotic jungle animals are also subjects that stimulate children's minds. Pirates, mermaids, knights and fairies are some of the most popular subjects for little boys and girls of pre-school age. Educational books are also a good idea at this young age, and titles that introduce an understanding of the alphabet and counting, telling the time, and even those that provide an easy introduction to a second language can be the books they'll want to read the most. Personalised children's books are most appreciated at this age. Produced with the child's name and other details included in the printed copy, it makes them and their friends or family part of the exciting story. Great for building self confidence, and a perfect way to encourage them to begin learning to read by themselves as they'll already know at least one of the words in the book ! Finally, don't forget the library ! Your child will enjoy trips to the local library with you and it will add to the fun associated with books and reading. They will love browsing around a hushed library looking at books that other children have previously enjoyed, and if best of all - any books bought home won't cost a penny !

Knowledge is Power, but knowledge does not always come with power. Knowledge is the state of awareness or understanding gained from experience or studylearning specific information about something. This means a person has the resourcefulness to obtain and criticize useful and informative information in order to become well informed citizens who can make intelligent decisions based upon their understanding and awareness of everyday situations. Does this make them powerful? Is a question that creeps into ones mind? Well, power is said to be the ability or capacity to act or perform effectively. Without knowledge, how can this ability to perform effectively, be possible? Ind

" One may have the knowledge but one should know how to use it. When you look at America"tms rise to power during the past war era it is easy as well as trivial to attribute it to the abundance of natural resources and surplus number of new inventions. There is something new out there to learn each and every minute of your life, so keep learning!!. More importantly than what made America the mostpowerful country in the world is why it became the most powerful country. This proves that knowledge is very much a necessity to gain Power. It is invariably true that every person who is knowledgeable leads a successful life. A wise man once said:"Cursing, or the use of vulgar language, is just the inability of a feeble mind to forcefully express itself. Education is experienced each and everyday in and outside the classroom, making you strong enough to face the cruel world outside. It wasn"tmt luck, or coincidence or the fact that they had abundant resources but because they laid a firm foundation for their people by educating them and making them valuable members of the society who could meet the demands of the competing world. It is something that never ends, one can never learn too much. It is said "When you learn more,

you earn more"Education is a crucial part of all societies. It develops critical thinkers and broadens and deepens people"tms ability to think, act and increases their productivity. Education plays an important role in promoting a nations economic growth, as well. Education is the key to success is one of the sayings that one hears throughout their college life. It is not only about gaining a degree or diploma from a well known university but to learn the skills of how to apply the knowledge you have gained in the most productive manner.

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