Reading can be a powerful tool to expand one’s mind and journey into the world of the unknown. Ten freshmen were asked how  many books they read a year at Padua. Five said five to 10, three said 11 to 20 and two said 21 or more.

Reading is not as prominent as a hobby or something to do during leisure time compared to Netflix or social media. But it has many benefits for the mind. Your brain is a muscle, and reading helps exercise it.

Reading can transport you to places beyond your imagination and all in the comforts of  where you are most comfortable. 

“I usually read in bed or at home because I like the comfort of it,” freshman Abby Moore said.

Mrs. Hudson works with books everyday and runs the Padua school library. She noted that many films and shows have started off as a book first. Examples include “The Vampire Diaries”, “Gossip Girl”, “The Hunger Games”, and, of course, “Harry Potter”. Even Marvel and DC films started off and still continue as comics. 

“Even if the movie is bad, I just enjoy seeing how the director interpreted it and the special effects,” Hudson said.

Books can be a great escape from reality for people because our own imaginations are left to design or choose how characters or surroundings look like. Each person will have their own experience even when reading the same book.

“I like reading because it makes you lose track of time and kinda space out,” said Ruth Oglesby, another freshman.

Reading can be extremely informative as well. They are one of the most popular ways to learn and open one’s mind. Being drawn into a new world of unknowns is pulling.  

“[I enjoy] just learning about things I didn’t know and mysteries,” Hudson said, “just having that suspense of not knowing what’s going to happen next.”

Starting off small can go a long way. Picking a book whose plot interests you and reading for 10 to 20 minutes each night before bed could become a part of your daily routine.