Read Books Beyond Textbooks

Remember turning in reading logs in the fifth grade? That was the last time we were encouraged to read for pleasure in academics. So many people do not spend any time throughout their college education prioritizing reading books, beyond those required for school. Students are assigned loads of reading for coursework, and getting lost in a book falls to the wayside. But neglecting “reading for fun” is extremely detrimental. 

Casual reading expands our capacity to learn outside of the bounds of a textbook. A hefty non-fiction can enthrall us; we can lose ourselves in a fantastical world of science fiction; a self-help book can spark growth or we can build compassion for lived experiences beyond our own in a memoir or biography. The practice of reading for pleasure is a valuable escape from school and a reminder that you can–and should–learn beyond the context of the classroom. 

Rarely do textbooks capture a reader with a compelling narrative. Storytelling, whether taken from the real world or one of fiction, has been an integral part of the human experience for eons. When we take the time to read the stories of characters of the past, present or even future, we get to be swept up in a narrative outside of ourselves and gain perspective for our own lives. This is something that required readings often do not provide.

For those concerned that reading for pleasure will take away from their ability to focus on reading and coursework for school, a  2016 study published by Sam Houston State University found that students who read for pleasure performed better across all academic subjects, including STEM courses. So it turns out that taking a break from studying molecular biology or reading about shareholder equity to pick up a book on an entirely different subject or story can lead to more academic success. Maybe more importantly, it can leave you with a broader understanding of stories and lived experiences beyond the ones right in front of you everyday. 

In the fast-paced and demanding environment of college life, the idea of dedicating time to reading for pleasure might seem like a luxury (chore, or both) that is impossible to add to your to-do list. Reserving time to watch Netflix in bed is the easy option so many of us immediately turn to, but reading a new novel gets you away from the screen and into a story that can be just as exciting as your favorite TV series. 

There are virtually endless books to choose from, each bringing a different author’s perspective and creativity to the table. If you don’t know where to start, try to remember a topic or genre that grabbed your attention the last time you walked into a bookstore and start there. 

I have tried this method myself in college, and, admittedly, it hasn’t always been easy. But even if reading for pleasure doesn’t happen every day, setting the intention to read a few pages each morning, or spend an hour of my weekend getting lost in a book has become such an enriching part of my routine.