The Gift of Reading: Why Books Will Always Matter

There’s something almost magical about reading. Maybe it’s the way words leap off a page and create worlds inside your mind. Maybe it’s the smell of an old, beloved book that feels like home. Or maybe it’s that satisfying sound of turning a crisp new page, like a little drumbeat of discovery. However it comes to you, reading is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves—and the next generation.

Growing in Knowledge and Word Power

Every time you pick up a book, you’re adding treasures to your knowledge chest. Books stretch us. They grow our vocabulary, they strengthen our minds, and they even help us understand others better. A single book can teach you a new skill, open your eyes to a culture you’ve never experienced, or give you words to describe feelings you’ve never been able to put into language.

Think about it: the more words you know, the better you can express yourself. Reading doesn’t just make us smarter—it makes us clearer, deeper communicators. And who doesn’t need that?

An Outlet for Every Season

Life is busy and sometimes heavy. Reading is a gentle way to unplug, slow down, and let your imagination breathe. Some people find their outlet in romance novels, others in mysteries, biographies, or devotionals. Maybe for you it’s fantasy, where dragons soar and courage wins the day. Or perhaps it’s poetry, where even a single line can be a balm for the soul.

There is a book for every season of life—whether you need laughter, escape, encouragement, or wisdom.

The Beauty of Books Themselves

Now, let’s be honest—there’s nothing quite like holding a book. A tablet screen will never compare to the weight of a hardcover in your hands or the delicate pages of a well-loved paperback. The smell of an old book is its own kind of perfume, a blend of history and time that reminds us we’re part of a bigger story. Books are more than words; they are tangible companions.

A Pastime with History

For centuries, books have been treasured. In fact, for much of history, owning even one book was a sign of wealth and privilege. People gathered to read stories aloud because not everyone had access to them. Libraries were sanctuaries, places where the wisdom of the world could be preserved and shared. Reading has always been more than entertainment—it’s a bridge that connects generations, cultures, and ideas.

Why We Must Pass It On

In a world buzzing with video games and endless scrolling, it’s easy to let the habit of reading slip away. But if we don’t nurture it, we risk losing something precious. Teaching kids to read—and to love reading—isn’t just about schoolwork. It’s about giving them imagination, empathy, and a lifelong tool for growth.

Reading together can be a bedtime ritual, a Saturday afternoon adventure, or even a family challenge: who can read the most books this summer? However you approach it, the point is simple—don’t let reading be lost.

Better than Screens

Sure, video games have their place. They can be fun, even creative at times. But books? Books offer something deeper. They ask you to slow down, to imagine, to think. They don’t just show you a story—they invite you to build it in your mind. That’s an experience no screen can replace.

Your Turn to Share

I’d love to know—what kind of books do you love to read? Are you the kind of reader who gets swept away by an epic series? Do you savor devotionals that anchor your soul? Do you collect cookbooks, biographies, or historical fiction? Or maybe you’re a little like me—reading across genres depending on the season.

Are you part of a Bookclub or group? Drop your favorites in the comments. You never know—you might inspire someone else’s next great read!

Because at the end of the day, books aren’t just entertainment. They’re nourishment. They’re adventure. They’re history and hope. And they’re waiting for you, right there on the shelf, ready to turn the next page with you.

Happy reading,

XO, Marie