What’s your favorite book? For writer Michael Grothaus it’s War and Peace, because when he started reading the book he was stuck in a rut, personally and professionally. He picked up Tolstoy’s 1869 novel, and two months and more than a thousand pages later, he found his life transformed. As Grothaus notes:
It’s almost impossible to explain why, but after reading it I felt more confident in myself, less uncertain about my future … as weird as it sounds, reading War and Peace put me back in control of my life—and that’s why it’s my favorite book.
Researchers note that there are many physical and societal benefits of reading. Regular reading can help prevent stress, depression, and dementia, as well as make it “easier for people to make decisions, plan, and prioritize.”
Read more about the well-known and hidden benefits of reading, and learn how to find the time to read enough to feel more satisfied with your life in Grothaus’ article, How Changing Your Reading Habits Can Transform Your Life.
Photo: Stephen McCulloch
