7 Reasons To Read With Someone Else

We didn’t realize we were making memories together….we were just having FUN!

Looking For A Fresh Hobby?

Many of us are looking for flexible ways to learn, connect with others, and search for adventures from the comfort of our own living room. A great way to accomplish all of those initiatives into one is making a pact with someone to read with them daily; this could be in person or virtual.

For those of you that are thinking “that sounds like a lot of work”…..yes – you are right and that is what makes this hobby gratifying. It is EASIER to engage in activities that let you to run on auto-pilot; however, engaging in meaningful activities makes you proud in the long run.

There are few things that compare to that gratifying moment of reading the last sentence in a book that you are infatuated with. What makes it even better is reading it out loud with someone else that you adore. Keep in mind it could be a partner, relative, child, or friend. This hobby has the power to add an engaging flare to any bond, almost overnight. 

If you’re in a rut right now, don’t allow yourself to rely upon a technology-focused retreat tonight. It may be tempting, but don’t give in. There is something better for you that is peaceful and meaningful right around the corner. Every ounce of extra effort it takes that you have to put in is 100% worth it. 

I won’t lie to you – my husband and I have had our days of wandering into the abyss of technology where we become blissfully unconscious as we watch a new show. Most days we read to each other right before bed. Although this tradition is new for us this year, I see it sticking. Considering it has changed our lives so much, I wanted to share the benefits of the habit with others. 

Major Benefits of Reading With Someone Else:

1. Reading with someone else is relaxing.

   Reading at night has been a huge game changer in my life. Prior to reading consistently at night, sleepless nights were frequent. It was a vicious cycle where the nights turned into mornings that I spill coffee all over or jam my finger into a car door. And then I would come home and initiate an argument with my husband of how they annoyingly left their clothes on the floor. I was unnecessarily irritable in the morning and it was usually correlated with being sleep deprived. I also have been blessed with the uncanny ability to think of worst case scenarios and/or items to add to my to-do list as I’m trying to fall asleep which makes me toss and turn for hours on end. Now, I can almost guarantee a fresh start to my mornings. Reading at night lulls me into a sweet getaway. There’s nothing better than getting hooked into an enthralling story. Whether I am reading for the night or my husband is reading to me, I crave the escape that removes me from technology and connects me to learning. We are so relaxed as we read that it actually keeps us asleep for longer. I have even acquired a new habit of dozing off while listening because I am too relaxed (friendly refreshers of the night before is strongly encouraged by the way!). 

2. Reading with someone else creates a beautiful partnership.

   Not only do we switch off reading to each other aloud so one person is not burdened, but we take turns choosing the actual book each month. The practice has taught us the importance of give and take. We are exposed to something that we probably wouldn’t have chosen otherwise and also look forward to researching books that we want to read for our next turn. I either doze away listening to my husband’s voice or I go to sleep completing an act of service for him. Either way, I feel great.  

3. Reading with someone else gives you connection.

   It is almost like a mini and easier book reading club, right at my home every night. Not only am I bonding with someone that I love, but I also have a ready-now topic to discuss during dull car rides. “Do you know what your next book is?” “What did you think about the main character?” “Can you believe they chose that path?” “What did you think about the ending?” It is fun to spend quality time together and better understand how someone close to you interprets something. Discussing different revelations and takeaways is exciting. We have gasped at the same lines and have laughed at idiosyncrasies together: it has brought us closer in that moment and afterwards. When we take in the same information in real time, we are bonded by a feeling of closeness. If we have no plans on a weekend night; it is not stale. We have something to look forward to and an adventure always awaits. If your nights have become stale – pick up a book now! You could start your own quest from your very own home – watch the sparks fly! 

4. Reading with someone else can morph into a tradition and/or a quest.

   We started the practice by taking turns reading to each other and it very quickly, turned into something bigger and better. We have chatted about reading the 100 New York Best Times Seller list. We talked about reading books from other counties. We talked about moving the practice to nearby parks that we haven’t been to. We even talked about expanding this to our future kids. And my favorite – I’ve even witnessed my husband create a southern accent from scratch when reading “Where the Crawdads Sing.” Use your imagination – you make the rules!

5. You gain the main benefits of books – peace, perspective, and knowledge.

   The world of books is far reaching i.e. fiction vs. nonfiction. Mystery vs romance. Characters galore. Different origins, styles, and viewpoints. We have taken lessons from each one. We have learned about inspiring coping mechanisms for those less fortunate (The Glass Castle) and how you can find your own happiness (The Alchemist). We have looked at the same things with a new, sympathetic spirit. And if you aren’t sold yet – it is overwhelmingly satisfying to walk in an Amazon book store recognizing the books you have read in the front entrance and reflecting on lessons learned (it’s the little things).

6. Reading with someone else holds you accountable.

   Let’s face it – sticking with any habit that requires effort is tough. It happens to all of us. It is easy to start a new habit but tough to sustain one. Just as you would for any new exercise, diet, or other healthy habit, it makes it easier to have a “buddy” to hold you accountable when you don’t feel like it. When my fiancé is holding our book and asks if we are going to read soon, it’s impossible to say no!

7. Reading with someone else allows you to complete a beneficial goal together.

   When I started finishing the unread books in my living room, I was overwhelmed with joy. As soon as I made the shift to make this my goal in 2020, all it took was one book to start the momentum. The small feat of finalizing can turn into another and another. Think of how many books you’ll read if you can find another person to share the journey with.

Still not sold?

This hobby isn’t for everyone. If you’re not feeling up to this activity, there are a ton of other ways you can connect with others about books. Check out these quarantine-friendly Virtual Book Clubs!

Our 2019 Book List:

• The Glass Castle
• The Alchemist
• Where the Crawdads Sing (MY FAVORITE OF ALL TIME!)
• Educated (SECOND FAVORITE!)
• Man’s Search for Meaning
• The Happiness Project
• The Happiness of Pursuit 

Our 2020 Book List:

• Before We Were Yours
• Tuesdays with Morrie
• The Art of Racing in the Rain
• Atomic Habits
• Year of Yes
• The Book Thief 
• Misery

If you have any favorite book suggestions, please let me know what our next read should be!