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We’re losing the ability to pay attention. Reading might be the answer.
In a world that rewards scrolling over thinking, reading might be the habit we need most.
Top photo from TrendLit Publishing/Sea Breeze Books
You probably heard that Singapore is now encouraging people to read at least 15 minutes a day, courtesy of the ReadSG challenge by the National Library Board (NLB).
The aim of the initiative is to invite Singaporeans to rediscover the joy of reading through a simple daily reading habit, according to the campaign objective.
But what exactly is the joy of reading? And how does it benefit us?
The wonders of reading
According to ScienceDirect, reading can help us better understand others.
When we read, we imagine the experiences of others, including those with different backgrounds from our own.
A study in Germany found that students who own more books tend to be more empathetic and prosocial, even after accounting for socioeconomic status (SES), language background and gender.
In addition, reading has also been found to boost one’s well-being, regardless of age.
Another study quoted by the BBC found that children who read for pleasure have better attention spans, memory, and problem-solving skills.
They also tend to perform better in school, experience fewer mental health problems and lead healthier lifestyles, with more sleep and less screen time.
Meanwhile, adults aged 55 and above who read were found to be significantly less likely to develop cognitive impairment.
More literary events around Singapore
Keen to pick up a book, but still feeling uninspired to do so? Here’s some more good news: there are actually many more literary events around Singapore you can check out to help give you that extra boost, beyond the ReadSG Challenge.
Singapore Writers Festival
From Nov. 13-22, the Singapore Writers Festival (SWF) will be running at multiple locations, including The Arts House at the Old Parliament, Asian Civilisations Museum and various libraries.
There will be various programmes for you to look forward to, ranging from understanding how killers might behave to a keynote talk by award-winning journalist Stephen Witt, where he will share insights from his new book, The Thinking Machine, which chronicles the rise of Jensen Huang and Nvidia.
Ever wondered how authors come up with detective stories and get into the mind of a detective to create gripping mysteries?
You will have the opportunity to join three mystery authors, Robin Stevens ("Murder Most Unladylike"), Ning Cai ("The Savant Trilogy: Misdirection") and Shamini Flint ("Inspector Singh Investigates"), as they share their creative process and give you a peek behind the scenes of crafting a good whodunit.
Book clubs
Photo from bookbarsg’s Instagram.
If you’re looking to read while connecting with like-minded people, joining a book club is a great way to do both.
Book Bar organises monthly events, ranging from talks with authors and illustrators to quiet group reading sessions. Its monthly book club,
Bookworm Banter, gives participants time to read quietly before coming together for lively discussions and a chance to mingle with fellow book lovers.
Mother tongue reading clubs are also available at our local libraries, catering to different age groups from young learners to adults.
Using your SG Culture Pass to buy Sing Lit books
Did you know you can use your SG Culture Pass credits to purchase eligible Sing Lit titles from participating bookstores?
Here are some of the bookstores:
- ah-Ha! Bookstore by Child Ed
- Basheer Graphic Books
- Book Bar
- Book Point Pte Ltd
- Books Kinokuniya
- BookXcess at OCBC Wisma Atria
- City Book Room
- Grassroots Book Room
- Lingzi Warehouse Books Sale
- Littered with Books
- Maha Yu Yi
- Nurul Anwar Bookstore
- Owl Books
- Pepple Studiomarket
- Popular Bookstore
- TCZ Studio
- The Zall Bookstore
- Union Book Co
- Wardah Books
- Woods in the Books
Literature and whisky, a perfect pairing
Unsure of where to start? Try combining your literary journey with a little treat instead.
Spend an afternoon on Nov. 15 with like-minded kindreds, reflecting on the poems found in Singaporean writer Alvin Pang’s What Gives Us Our Names, alongside a flight of three whiskies.
Now’s your chance to finally pick up that book. It will really do you some good.
This sponsored article got the author thinking about the joys of reading and why it's worth turning a few more pages.
