Read Less, Absorb More: Why Should We Read Physical Books?

Reading is more than a pastime; it is an invitation to step into worlds unknown and experience lives beyond our own. Whether it begins with the crisp texture of a paper book or the glow of a screen, the act of reading has a universal allure—words transform into vivid pictures, emotions, and scenes that breathe life into our imagination. It’s the joy of discovery, the satisfaction of questions answered, and the bittersweet parting with characters who feel like old friends. Through stories, we traverse worlds beyond the ordinary.

Reading builds creativity and empathy, making us more understanding and compassionate human beings. This joy—this “reading for pleasure”—has proven to be one of the two key factors in a child’s later economic success, influencing everything from homeownership to voting habits. When we engage deeply with literature, we open the doors to growth and self-awareness.

But what exactly is literature? Why should we spend our time reading books, when out there, big things are going on?

Literature, often regarded as a “reality simulator,” grants us access to a spectrum of emotions and events that would otherwise take decades to experience directly. It reveals truths about humanity that ordinary conversation often hides, describing life with raw honesty as if the author knows us better than we know ourselves. Reading books safely places us in situations we might never face—leading a country, making an irreversible mistake that affects many families, or feeling extreme remorse for a wrong decision. By speeding up time, literature allows us to witness the arc of life, from childhood to old age, offering perspectives from diverse lives and centuries past.

Yet, the way we read has changed as technology emerges. Today, much of our reading occurs on screens. While digital reading provides unprecedented access to information, it poses challenges. Screen reading–apart from sore eyes–often encourages skimming rather than deep reading, as the sheer volume of pings and notifications bombards us. Deep reading is essential for developing critical thinking because it lets us carefully analyze a text to uncover its deeper meaning. On the other hand, we lose the ability to form analogies, make inferences, and engage fully with the text when we only skim.

Research shows that deep reading activates different areas of the brain, enabling us to connect, reflect, and grow. However, this skill develops better with physical books, as the tactile experience encourages focus and absorption. The modern tendency to skim and consume surface-level information risks eroding these essential skills.

Recently, New Era University Library introduced its automobile library, providing a creative space for children to read. The primary goal of this initiative is to promote good reading habits among children, even in rural areas, through outreach programs. In addition, the University library hosted a series of events in celebration of National Book Week, emphasizing the importance of reading books to students. The library offers a wide variety of literature, and its clean, spacious facilities create the perfect environment for a cozy escape into your own world.

Becoming a well-read person isn’t about the number of books you’ve read, but the consistency of your reading habit. The idea that reading less can help us absorb more may seem counterintuitive, but it actually makes a lot of sense. When we focus on quality over quantity, we allow ourselves to truly engage with the material rather than skimming through pages for the sake of checking off books on a list. By slowing down and taking the time to absorb each concept, we are more likely to remember and apply what we’ve read—gaining the true benefits of reading literature.

If reading books can do all these things, perhaps we need to treat it differently. We tend to view it as a bothersome task or we picture someone wearing thick-rimmed glasses and plaid shirts. Truly, the act of reading is far more than that; it is therapy in the broadest sense. It has the ability to guide us through life's challenges—seeing life in a different perspective and questioning the values we might otherwise take for granted.

Reading literature through physical books deserves its prestige for one reason above all others: it is a tool to help us live a healthier life with a little more wisdom, goodness, and clarity.