“Oh God! Another blog about reading books.” Why does everyone keep saying, “Reading books are good for you, reading books are good for you…”? Alright, we get it!
But before you decide to close this blog, let me tell you a little story.
When I was in Grade 2, my previous school held a competition where every student had to create a handwritten storybook. I was so excited because becoming an author had always been my dream. I spent weeks writing and illustrating my very first book, “The Hungry Bear.
My very first handwritten storybook – The Hungry Bear (Grade 2) Can you spot all the hand-drawn pictures? I made every single one myself !
I remember feeling nervous on the day the winners were announced. I honestly didn’t think I would win. Then I heard my name—I had won first place! Even today, my little book proudly sits on a shelf in my previous school, where other students can read it.
Every great author starts with a first story. Mine was The Hungry Bear, and it reminded me that imagination grows when you read, dream, and create—not when someone else does the thinking for you.
Now, back to the question…
Does reading books really matter in today’s world, where AI can answer almost any question in seconds?
After all, AI helps us with homework, research, and everyday tasks. While AI can be a useful learning tool, relying on it for everything can make us stop thinking for ourselves. If we let AI do all the thinking, our own critical thinking skills become weaker. Reading books helps us exercise our minds, ask questions, form our own opinions, and build our imagination. So, stay with me until the end, and hopefully you’ll see why books still matter.
Most people know that reading improves your vocabulary and communication skills. But did you know it also strengthens your imagination? Every time you read a story, your brain creates the characters, settings, and events in your own mind. No movie or AI can do that for you.
Reading also helps reduce stress. In fact, studies have shown that even six minutes of reading can help you relax. When you read, your mind takes a break from the worries of the day and focuses on the story instead. This kind of concentration is similar to mindfulness, helping you feel calmer while also improving your ability to focus.
Another important benefit is that reading and writing go hand in hand. When people rely on AI, they often receive polished answers without really understanding the topic. However, people who read regularly develop the ability to organize their own thoughts and write clearly using their own knowledge. Reading introduces us to different writing styles, new vocabulary, and creative ideas. The more we read, the better we become at expressing ourselves.
Nowadays, when teachers assign research projects, many students immediately turn to AI. Even if you decide to use Google instead, AI-generated answers often appear before anything else. This shows how quickly AI has become part of our daily lives.
Many schools encourage students to use AI responsibly rather than depend on it completely. If students rely on AI for every assignment, they may miss the opportunity to develop important skills like critical thinking, writing, problem-solving, and comprehension. There are also concerns about academic honesty, privacy, fairness, and making sure students truly understand what they are learning.
I’m not saying that AI is bad. It can explain difficult topics, help us learn, and save time when used wisely. But it should be a helper, not a replacement for reading, thinking, and learning.
Reading isn’t just about getting good grades. It’s about discovering new worlds, meeting unforgettable characters, learning from different perspectives, and expanding your imagination. A good book can inspire you, comfort you, challenge your ideas, and even change the way you see the world.
So, the next time you have a choice, don’t let AI do all the thinking for you. Pick up a book instead. Your imagination, your vocabulary, your creativity, and your future self will thank you.
P.S. Your brain called… it wants a book back!
Stay curious. Read more. Imagine bigger.
– Umme Lujayn Jilani