As we all know by now, time is on our hands like never before. We have more time to do all the things we may have been putting off because of our busy schedules. For me, that has been reading. I for one am completely guilty of having two or three books on the go with my eyes only indulging the first few chapters of each until I get 'too busy' to keep it up. We've all been there, you're half part of the way through a book and then you stop, and see a new book you want to read so you buy that one and dive into the first few chapters and forget about it - sound familiar?
This article is about books, and it includes a few books I have read recently which I found value from. However, while buying books causes a nice dopamine hit (for me anyway), I have recently discovered the dormant value and excitement of the library and all the amazing resources that come along with it. Having recently joined the DLR Lexicon library in Dun Laoghaire, I found that there is an app called 'Borrow Box' which once you sign in with your library card (all libraries in Ireland work on the app) you have access to a huge host of e-books and audiobooks which you can rent out and enjoy for free. The list of available books is phenomenal and there is something for everyone. From the Harry Potter classics to some of the best non-fiction out there, you will find something captivating. While I have read the below books from a physical book as I prefer to do so, a few of my favourites which are also available on the app are:
The third of Noah's stunning, compelling and thought-provoking books about the human race. 21 Lessons for The 21st Century is a must for anyone who is intrigued about humans and what effects us. How do we maintain our collective and individual focus in the face of constant and disorienting change? Are we still capable of understanding the world we have created?
I was recommended this book by a regular customer in the coffee shop I worked in when in Australia, I picked it up the next day and I was hooked. Matthew Walker discusses our need for sleep, how alcohol and coffee affect our sleep quality and long-term health, along with much more. I would definitely recommend to anyone who wishes to uncover and understand more about the human body and what effects it. This is a book I will always have on my book shelf.
I picked up this book because I found myself constantly starting something good and then getting lazy and pushing it aside very quickly once something else came up. Even though I knew the habit I was trying to instil was going to only benefit me greatly, I just never managed to establish them. Couple that with our now new (hopefully temporary) normal, a lot of us are working and studying from home which means we need to establish new routines and habits to ensure maximum productivity in a working environment which may not be optimal. I would recommend this one to anyone struggling to adapt to the new reality.
"Reading gives us someplace to go when we have to stay where we are" - Mason Cooley.