Radio Atlantic
The Books We Read in High School (Part 1)
Dec 19, 2024
Rose Horowitch, an Atlantic writer, discusses the declining reading habits of college students, prompted by her reporting on their struggles with full-length books. She examines the impact of distractions like cell phones and standardized tests. Guests share personal reflections on high school literature, highlighting transformative works like Milan Kundera’s 'The Unbearable Lightness of Being' and John Donne's poetry. They argue for the enduring value of these readings amidst a changing academic landscape, emphasizing the profound emotional and intellectual growth they inspire.
26:27
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Quick takeaways
- The decline in high school literature reading, driven by standardized testing and a focus on informational texts, impacts students' preparedness for college.
- Reading fiction enhances empathy and cognitive skills, highlighting the importance of fostering a love for literature among adolescents for personal growth.
Deep dives
The Importance of Reading for Empathy
Reading fiction fosters empathy by allowing individuals to engage with lives and situations unlike their own. This act of entering different narratives enhances one’s understanding of human complexities and societal dynamics. The podcast highlights the unique role novels play in nurturing cognitive skills and emotional intelligence, especially during formative teenage years. The discussion emphasizes the alarming trend of decreasing book engagement among adolescents, which may deprive them of these valuable empathetic experiences.
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