When was the last time you read summaries on Spark Notes instead of reading the whole story? Have you ever told someone, “I don’t read,” when asked about your favorite books? In a fast-paced world with information readily available at the click of a mouse, actual books with paper pages and printed letters have become vastly undervalued.
According to statisticbrain.com, a site dedicated to national analytics, a study performed this year found that 33 percent of U.S. high school graduates will never read a book after high school. The same study found that 42 percent of college students will never read another book after they graduate.
Many are either intimidated, apathetic or simply do not know where to start when it comes to books. Trust me, the library is your friend.
Research has found numerous benefits can be reaped from the activity. As written in an article by Brad Isaac, bestselling author of the goal-setting software “Achieve-IT,” reading can help you improve cognitive function, vocabulary, memory, writing skills, discipline, reasoning skills and creativity, make money, reduce stress, avoid digital distractions and even change your life (to list a few).
Though I have been an avid reader since attaining literacy, only recently have I begun to discover the world of non-fiction books, a world which had always seemed intimidating and boring.
Throughout the summer I took turns reading books on topics such as health, sleep, auto repair, social psychology, caffeine and alcohol, career advancement and life planning. I am still in awe of the countless growing possibilities available. Many intelligent people have taken the time to write, edit, print and publish their knowledge, research and ideas for others.  
Reading is more than something you should do; it is a gift and a privilege. The United States Education Scientific and Cultural Organization determined 775 million adults around the world are illiterate. Education and knowledge are precious. Do not let your literacy go to waste.
There are millions of books available covering every topic imaginable and brimming with information. On a practical note, most books can be cheaply attained through book sales, thrift stores, public libraries or sites such as amazon.com or thriftbooks.com.
Confucius, a famous Chinese philosopher, once said, “No matter how busy you may think you are, you must find time for reading, or surrender yourself to self-chosen ignorance.”
It is time to be proactive, develop your brain and learn something new. With Fall Break, Thanksgiving break and more than a month for winter break coming up, your excuses are running dry.
Turn off the television or gaming system and find a good book on a topic that interests you. In the words of a dying Michelangelo: “Ancora imparo,” which is Italian for “I am still learning.”