As an avid reader, discovering that there are health benefits to summer reading makes my heart burst with joy. A recent article published by Social Science and Medicine suggested that reading can add up to two years on your lifespan. I know what you’re thinking. How can reading make us live longer? To be honest, I was skeptical at first. However, the reason behind it makes a lot of sense.

The study suggests that the reason may be related to the fact that reading can increase connectivity between brain cells, and that in turn may lower the risk of neurodegenerative diseases that can shorten lifespans. Another important way that reading can impact your health, is by reducing stress. – Thurston Talk

If you’re looking for recommendations for books, we have some for you! We hope you check some of these out because reading can add up to two years on your lifespan.

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo 

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi 

Not to mention, reading can help with stress. For more information, check out our blog posts.