Why Real Books Are Still the Best Way to Read

Ever thought about how the feeling of holding a book in your hands compares to scrolling through a screen?

In an age where almost everything has a digital version, there’s something timeless about picking up a physical book.

And it turns out, there are some surprising reasons why many of us are rediscovering real books—and actually sticking with them!

Let’s find out why physical books still have a powerful grip on us, and maybe learn a few tips and ideas to get even more out of reading.

The Science Behind Reading on Paper vs. Screens

Did you know that reading on paper actually helps with focus and comprehension? Studies show that people who read print books tend to remember more of the story than those who read on screens. Why?

With a physical book, you’re able to focus more deeply. Unlike digital text, which encourages skimming, a printed page has a kind of stability that allows your brain to engage with it differently.

Plus, researchers have found that holding a book and turning its pages gives us subtle clues about where we are in the story—how much we’ve read, how much is left—things that help us process and retain information.

Want Better Sleep? Read a Real Book Before Bed

Here’s a tip for anyone struggling with sleep: try switching out your tablet or phone for a physical book at night. The blue light from screens interferes with melatonin, the hormone that helps us wind down for sleep.

But when you read a real book, there’s no artificial light to mess with your sleep cycle. You get to relax, ease into a story, and avoid the mental stimulation that screens bring.

So next time you’re up late, try unwinding with a book instead. Your future, well-rested self will thank you.

The Power of a Home Library

There’s something incredibly comforting about having a shelf filled with books that are entirely yours. Physical books make a space feel personal and full of character.

If you’re looking to create that cozy bookish vibe at home, start small—a single shelf can do wonders. Try displaying books you’ve already read or those you’re planning to dive into. This way, each title becomes a little piece of your life story, and as you add more, you’ll see your personal interests and journey in your collection.

Interesting fact: Research suggests that growing up in a home with a library of 80+ books positively impacts literacy, numeracy, and tech skills as an adult. There’s even a term for it, “the bookshelf effect,” which shows just how powerful having a physical library can be—even when those books are simply sitting on your shelf.

Reading as a Travel-Free Adventure

Have you ever thought of reading as a kind of travel? With a physical book, it feels even more like an experience—you hold onto the book, and it holds onto you.

A novel can transport you to ancient civilizations, to hidden corners of the world, or to entirely new realms. And the best part? No screen, no tech. You get to fully immerse yourself in the author’s world without distraction.

That experience feels richer, more tactile, with a physical book. It’s like a mini-vacation without the cost or the hassle of leaving home.

Useful Tips for Rediscovering Your Love of Books

1. Explore Book Swaps and Secondhand Stores: Not only are used bookstores budget-friendly, but they’re also full of hidden gems. Many have dedicated sections for different genres, so you can explore a wide range of books you might never have thought to pick up.
2. Start a Reading Journal: A simple notebook where you jot down thoughts, quotes, or ideas while reading can deepen your connection to each book. It’s a great way to keep track of what you’ve read and why it mattered to you. Over time, these notes turn into a collection of insights, showing how each book has influenced you.
3. Create a “To Be Read” Shelf: Dedicate a small shelf or section of a table for books you want to read soon. Having them out in the open makes them feel more like a part of your daily life, and it’s easier to pick one up whenever you’re in the mood to read.
4. Unplug with a Reading Routine: Build a routine around reading, like setting aside 20-30 minutes in the morning with coffee or winding down with a book before bed. Having a regular time to read, even just a chapter or two, makes reading a natural part of your day.
5. Try Local Libraries and Free Little Libraries: If you’re looking to save money and discover new books, libraries are your best friend. Many neighborhoods now have “Free Little Libraries,” where you can borrow or swap books for free—sometimes finding treasures you wouldn’t come across anywhere else.

Physical Books Create Emotional Connections

When we underline a favorite passage or leave a note in the margin, we’re leaving a part of ourselves in that book. Later, when you or someone else picks it up, those little notes and highlights become markers of how that story connected with you at a particular point in time.

It’s a unique experience with physical books—something that digital doesn’t replicate in the same way. Plus, a book with someone’s handwriting inside or a random note tucked between the pages makes it feel like it’s been on its own journey, passed down and loved through time.

Finding Joy in the Unexpected

With physical books, there’s always an element of surprise. You pick up a random novel, maybe one you found on a friend’s shelf, and dive in without a single clue about the author or storyline.

Sometimes, those books end up being the best. It’s almost like discovering something that was waiting for you all along.

Unlike the predictability of digital recommendations, real books and bookstores are full of delightful randomness. You never know what you’ll find, and that’s half the fun.

Bringing Back the Simple Joy of Reading

At the end of the day, reading physical books is about rediscovering a quieter, more intentional way of connecting with stories.

There’s no right or wrong way to get back into it; just find a book you’re curious about, get cozy, and start turning those pages. Whether you’re building a home library, making a cozy reading corner, or visiting your local bookstore, each small step brings you closer to the timeless pleasure of reading.

In a world where everything is moving faster, maybe slowing down with a book is exactly what we need.