“Think before you speak. Read before you think.” Fran Lebowitz

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This week, in particular, I spent a lot of time reading and thinking about books and writing. There is an endless supply of books and blogs—so many that you can read continually and never catch up. Reading has been my greatest source of entertainment and knowledge.

I remember my mom reading books to me when I was very small and reading chapter books when I was older. Once I could read myself, a whole new world opened for me. Wow, I love the library! I loved bedtime stories with my children and miss them a lot. They could be found huddled on my bed when they got older, reading books together. I am happy to be at the dinner table discussing books, plots, characters, and what people are reading.

I was thrilled to find so many new friends on social media who love to read! This led me to start My Book Club to discuss books with my friends online. A fantastic benefit of starting this online group was that I met many wonderful authors and helped share their books. I also worked with Guy Kawasaki, my first guest, on What the Plus! and wrote a guest chapter for it. My Book Club ran live on Twitter for several years, and I also did interviews on YouTube.

Reading has always been a gateway to vast new worlds and experiences. Studies show that reading not only enhances knowledge but also improves mental health. For instance, reading for just six minutes can reduce stress by up to 68%, providing a quick escape from daily pressures. Moreover, regular reading can slow cognitive decline in older adults by up to 32%, keeping the brain sharp and engaged.

Engaging with books from an early age has significant developmental benefits as well. Children who read regularly have larger vocabularies and higher phonological, letter name, and sound awareness levels. This early exposure lays a critical foundation for their educational success. For adults, reading boosts empathy and emotional intelligence by helping readers understand and share the feelings of others through diverse perspectives found in literature.

I never understand people who say they don't like reading. I always feel they just haven't found the right book yet.

Here are a few things I wanted to share with you this week:

1. 100 classic must-read books
2. Show I'm currently loving Bridgerton on Netflix.
3. Sign up for a reading challenge on GoodReads.
4. The 20 Most Beautiful Children's Books of All Time Did your favorite make the list?
5. “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” ― Stephen King

What books have you been reading lately? Are you reading mostly blogs these days? Share some details with me.

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