Since social media is at its peak, consumers are influenced daily. The great thing about picking up a book is that it has mental benefits and is accessible to all.
According to the BBC, studies show that reading can increase our emotional intelligence as we understand various perspectives and motivations.
If you haven’t read in years or are new to the concept, this article will be your online guide to starting. With a budget of no more than £10, I will explain all you need to know to become a bookworm.
An Edition For All
Okay, you might think this sounds a bit serious. How can a book be that important? My love for reading started from a young age, and sadly, in my late teens, I dipped out of my reading habit. Recently, I have found my passion for turning the pages again and am trying to inspire everyone to take it up.
Reading sounds boring, and yes, if you don’t know what genre you are into, it can be a dull experience. But when you find something you enjoy reading, it only gets more enjoyable from there. You might just find yourself up until 3 am saying to yourself, “I will only read one more page,” even though you know it’s a lie!
Here is a list of genres for you to have a read into:
And these are only a few; there is definitely a genre for everyone out there, and sometimes you just have to accept trial and error. For example, your friend could lend you a book they love, but you might give it a read and decide it’s not for you. This is already the start of finding your interests.
The Benefits of Reading
Reading books is not just about the ‘reading part;’ it can benefit your mental state greatly and lead to many positive outcomes. I try to read every evening before I go to sleep, as it helps distract my mind from any stress or problems in my head and take a deep breath.
When we read, we create mental simulations of the activities, sights, and sounds of scenes in a story and blend these with our own memories, which stimulates the neural pathways.
Crawshaw Academy states that reading can relieve stress. A well-written novel transports you to other realms, while an engaging article will keep you in the present moment, letting tensions drain away so that you can relax.
How to Know What to Read
If you have a local library but have never stepped foot in one, don’t be afraid! Librarians are there to help if you are struggling with genres or locating a book, and they are great to get your reading journey started. They can offer advice, knowledge, and a high-quality selection of books.
Online questionnaires can also come in handy, although I’m not sure it’s as good as picking up a book and giving it a go. If you don’t want to muck around, this is an ideal way to jump in. Here are a few free ones to have a look at:
These are only a couple of suggestions. Some people just fall in love with the first book they pick up, while others will have to read a few until they find the right one. Previously, I mentioned different genres; doing some research will likely lead you to the one you want.
Where to Buy Your Books
In the 21st century, there are numerous ways to access reading material. As I have mentioned previously, everyone has different interest, and some are easier to locate than others.
Your local library also provides access to a wide range of genres. The great benefit of loaning is that it helps you save pounds, and your room won’t be consumed by a stack of books. Library cards are new, bank account-friendly ways to keep up your book-reading craze.
Kindle can be a hot take. For some, reading off their tablet/phone is the best thing ever, as it’s so portable and easy. And yes, I do agree it’s great to download the book and go with a brief description beforehand, but it really does drain your tablet’s battery. Kindle supplies a range of books with pretty much every genre — and sometimes a few free books.
However, it isn’t any more or any less than buying the paperback version of the book, so it’s all about preferences. If you are prepared to charge up that tablet every couple of hours and adjust to the brightness changes, then Kindle might be something for you to consider, especially if you travel a lot.
Supermarkets, arts and crafts stores, or bookshops are the old classic way to grab that book you have been dying to buy. With no real price difference, you can have that paper book feel, and sometimes books can be on offer in shops with loyalty cards or sales!
My Personal Top 3
Now, this is something I rarely share because I am indecisive about my favorite genre. But here, I will give you insight into my go-to books.
The Famous Five By Enid Blyton
This is one of my favorite series to read. The books were a huge comfort when I was younger, and they were wonderful reads.
Harry Potter By J.K. Rowling
Harry Potter is one of the most well-known book and film series. Pretty much everyone has seen the films, but the books take patience. They’re quite a hefty read, but much more detail is put into the books, so you can truly read and understand the storyline. I promise it’s worth the read on a cozy rainy day.
Ugly Love By Colleen Hoover
I mean, you probably have read at least heard of the book or Colleen herself. Ugly Love stands out to me the most — the writing style and the storyline are just so grabbing and mysterious that I couldn’t put the book down. If you want to read her collection, this is my recommendation to start.
All these can be found on Amazon. I have linked them, and each book is under $10!
Books Are Great And Insightful
Now, after discussing the benefits, finding what to read, where to get them, and my personal three, I must say, aren’t you convinced to read? I am joking. If reading isn’t your thing, there is nothing wrong with that.
On TikTok, the word “booktok” has come into play, and many people have been inspired to read specific genres or even write their own on websites such as Wattpad. Reading can be a great experience: taking a step back from the big wide world and breathing in a different dimension. Books can bring comfort, and it’s a great addition when you find the ones for you.
To find books for under $10, be resourceful and keep an eye out. No matter what genre you wish to read, you can find something. So start your book journey today and prepare to be taken into another world.
