Elaine Castillo, author of 'How to Read Now,' and Abdullah Shihipar, a research associate at Brown University, dive into the alarming decline of reading in America. They discuss how digital distractions monopolize our attention and hinder comprehension. The duo also explores the emotional benefits of reading, from fostering intimacy to the joy it brings amid challenges. Strategies for revitalizing reading habits and fostering a community around literature are shared, highlighting the positive effects reading can have on mental well-being.
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insights INSIGHT
Corporate Capture of Reading Capacity
Elaine Castillo explains that corporations have captured our innate cognitive capacities for reading like attention and critical thinking.
This capture comes through addictive algorithms rewarding brief dopamine hits, replacing restorative book reading experiences.
question_answer ANECDOTE
Smartphone's Impact on Reading Habit
Brittany Luse shares her experience that reading habits declined after getting a smartphone and worsened with TikTok.
Despite early TV exposure, it was the phone that truly disrupted her reading enjoyment.
insights INSIGHT
Physical Books Aid Comprehension
Abdullah Shihipar highlights that reading requires more mental effort than watching TV or scrolling.
Studies show people retain information better from physical books than screens, likely because screen reading encourages skimming.
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The Lord of the Rings, written by J.R.R. Tolkien, is an epic high fantasy novel set in Middle-earth. The story follows Frodo Baggins, a hobbit who inherits the One Ring from his uncle Bilbo. The Ring, forged by Sauron, holds the power to control all other Rings of Power and must be destroyed in the fires of Mount Doom to prevent Sauron's return. Frodo is joined by a fellowship of other characters, including Gandalf the Grey, Samwise Gamgee, Aragorn, Legolas, Gimli, and Boromir, as they embark on a dangerous quest across Middle-earth. The novel explores themes of good vs. evil, the corrupting influence of power, and the struggle between fate and free will[3][4][5].
War and Peace
Leo Tolstoy
Set during the Napoleonic Wars, 'War and Peace' follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families, including the Bezukhovs, the Rostovs, and the Bolkonskys. The novel spans from 1805 to 1820 and is known for its realistic detail and psychological analysis. It explores the impact of Napoleon's invasion of Russia on the characters and society, delving into themes of love, family, war, and personal growth. The novel includes historical events such as the Battle of Austerlitz, the Treaties of Tilsit, and the French invasion of Russia, intertwining historical and fictional elements[3][4][5].
How to Read Now
Elaine Castillo
In "How to Read Now," Elaine Castillo delves into the significance of reading in the modern era, exploring its role in critical thinking, empathy, and personal growth. The book examines the challenges posed by technology and the decline in reading habits, offering insights into how to cultivate a more intentional and fulfilling relationship with books. Castillo's writing style is both insightful and engaging, making the book accessible to a wide audience. The book encourages readers to reclaim the power of reading as a tool for self-discovery and social change. Ultimately, "How to Read Now" serves as a call to action, urging readers to actively engage with literature and resist the forces that threaten to diminish its importance.
Data from Gallup and the Bureau of Labor Statistics show that Americans are reading fewer books and spending less time reading than ever. There's been reporting on college kids struggling to finish longer texts. And earlier this year, in a viral post, one user lamented their loss of concentration for reading, which led to a larger online discourse about how to approach books again.
Brittany revisits her convo with Elaine Castillo, author of the book How to Read Now, and Abdullah Shihipar, Research Associate at the People, Place and Health collective at Brown University, to get into why reading books is on the decline, the battle for our attention, and what people can do to get their reading grooves back.
This episode originally published February 3, 2025.
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