5 Ways to Foster a Love of Reading

“The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.”
—Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!

I love to read; I always have. Even as a young child you could find me with my nose buried in a book. I love to read because I love story, travel, and new experiences. Reading provides a way to experience the world as it was, is, and perhaps as we imagine it to be. A good book provides access to a whole new world without ever leaving the comfort of home.

Do you love to read? Here are some ways you can foster that love:

1. Connect with children. Dr. Seuss says it best, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.” Whether it’s with your grandchildren, your great-grandchildren, or preschoolers at a local school, share your love of reading! Reading together is a great way to connect. Contact a local school or library and join them for storytime where you can share your favorite childhood tale.
2. Join a book club. Start a book club with friends. Expand your reading choices by having a different member pick a book each month.
3. Make a book list. Dr. Seuss recommends you “Fill your house with books, in all the crannies and all the nooks.” If your home is filled with books be sure to keep a list of your favorite ones. Jot down what you enjoyed about each. What’s in your TBR (to be read) stack? Join Goodreads.com a website dedicated to reading books. On Goodreads, you can keep lists of books you want to read, books you’ve read, and books you’re currently reading. The site provides you with reviews and a place for you to write your own thoughts. It’s a great resource to help you keep track of and remember your favorite books as well as connect with friends who also enjoy reading.
4. Expand your reading choices. Pick books that challenge you. If you love reading historical fiction, try an autobiography. If you gravitate toward philosophy, escape with fantasy. “You have to be a speedy reader because there’s so so much to read” (Dr. Seuss).
5. Travel. Did you just finish reading about the Civil War? Visit Gettysburg! Go to the places you’re reading about and experience the stories firsthand.

If you love to read but can’t because of loss of vision, contact Preferred Care at Home. We understand that losing your independence is hard, and we want to be by your side every step of the way. One way we can help the avid reader is by sending our reliable, compassionate caregivers to your home to sit with you and read—because we agree with Dr. Seuss, “You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax, all you need is a book.”