In this engaging discussion, Elaine Castillo, author of "How to Read Now", and Abdullah Shihipar, a research associate at Brown University, explore the troubling decline of reading in America. They examine how digital distractions and the allure of instant gratification impact our ability to focus on longer texts. Discussing data on literacy and the cognitive benefits of reading, they share personal strategies for reigniting the joy of reading and emphasize the societal responsibility to foster a culture of literature in a tech-driven world.
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insights INSIGHT
Corporations Capturing Attention
Corporations exploit our attention, mirroring addiction, for profit.
This "replacement" for reading lacks restorative brain benefits.
insights INSIGHT
Mental Load of Reading
Reading requires more mental effort than passively watching TV or scrolling.
Studies suggest physical books improve information retention over screens, possibly due to less skimming.
question_answer ANECDOTE
PBS Kids and Reading
Abdullah Shihipar contrasts modern children's media with educational shows like Reading Rainbow.
He highlights the decline of public television's role in promoting reading.
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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].
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 last month, 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 is joined by 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.
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