Why read a book?

I have noticed something about myself. If I don't "get to" read (and I mean a book, not the mail) for a couple of days, I get a little cranky. Have you noticed anything like that? We all see things about activities for our brain, so I was curious if reading a book really does anything for you.

Here are some interesting things I found:

Per AI (you know him/her)

• "Boosts Critical Thinking: Mysteries sharpen problem-solving skills, encouraging readers to analyze clues, evaluate evidence, and differentiate between assumptions and facts.
• Enhances Memory: The Zeigarnik Effect suggests that the suspenseful nature of unresolved mysteries helps improve memory retention
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• Improves Attention to Detail: Readers are trained to notice small details (clues) to keep up with the plot. 
• Stress Relief and Escapism: Immersing oneself in a different world provides a "safe" way to explore fear and uncertainty, offering a "catharsis" or emotional release at the end.
• Mental Stimulation: The "whodunit" structure is a puzzle for the brain, enhancing mental agility and emotional engagement.
• Increased Empathy: Readers often explore the perspectives of diverse characters—detectives, victims, and sometimes perpetrators—which can enhance empathy."

From Penguin Random House:

• "In a study conducted by the University of Sussex, it was found that participants only need to read, silently, for six minutes to slow down their heart rate and ease tension in the muscles.
• Reading works better and faster than other methods to calm nerves.
• Books can promote empathy, social perception, and emotional intelligence.
Like Mysteries?


• "Mysteries engage the human brain, triggering curiosity and rewarding problem-solving.
• Humanity's evolutionary past shaped people to seek answers and unravel the unknown.
• Adding mystery to life sharpens thinking, fuels curiosity, and sparks adventure."

https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/common-sense-science/202503/why-we-love-a-good-mystery

What about my reaction to not reading?

AI: 

"Avid readers often feel anxious, restless or sad when unable to read, as they lose their primary form of escapism, relaxation, and mental stimulation. Lacking this emotional coping mechanism can lead to feelings of boredom, stress, or dissatisfaction, making them feel out of sorts or less connected to their imagination."

My recommendation: Go read a book. Those around you will thank you. 

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Under the Stars – Beatriz Williams

 Happy Spring! I guess one post a month does not make a blogger. Been navigating a new season of life and the waters are bumpy. BUT I am trying not to sacrifice myself and the things I enjoy...which is reading.

For our March Mystery Book Club we read:

About:

"When a daughter and her famous mother return to Winthrop Island to confront their complicated past, they discover a secret trove of paintings that connect them to a mysterious woman who vanished on a luxury steamship two centuries earlier."

The story is told between dual time lines, current and 1846. Audrey (daughter, chef) and Meredith (mother, famous actress) return to Winthrop Island where Meredith has a house and a past. She grew up there. They return to the island after Meredith's agent begs Audrey to take her mother somewhere to get her sober for a big movie role they have landed for her. Audrey and Meredith have a strained, complicated relationship, but she agrees. Winthrop Island is also where Audrey's father lives.

The story of Providence Dare, a woman in 1846 is also told. She works in a household that took her in as a child, While she was raised with the children in the home, she was not considered one of the family, but rather household help. The wife of the Henry Irving, owner of the home, dies. The children are grown and have left home. Providence stays on as a housekeeper for Henry. When Henry turns up dead, foul play is suspected and Providence is a suspect. She flees Boston on a streamship, which sails in a bad storm. 

I found the 1846 story very good. There was actually a steamship at that time that sailed into a storm and was shipwrecked, landing on an island. Some of the names in the story are names of real people, but not the main characters.

As far as the current day story, I liked how Audrey reconnects with her father and where that goes (without saying too much). Her father, Mike is the most likeable character of the story. There is a lot of bad language which I felt was unnecessary. I don't mind some and sometimes it fits the situation, but I felt it was a bit much. One of the Mystery Group members pointed it out that the swearing stopped out of the blue part way through the book. Another said she had listened to the book and didn't notice it. 

A couple of people did not finish it but most did and liked it well enough. I liked the ending.

Beatriz Williams writes historical fiction and has several books that take place on Winthrop Island but are about different people that live there. But there are threads that tie them together. Several people, including me, liked it enough that we'd like to read some of the other books set in the island. One person who did not finish this book, actually has read others by her and likes her books. She also has seen the author in person and really enjoyed hearing her speak. 

I would say if you like historical fiction with a bit of mystery, give it a try or other books by Beatriz Williams.

https://beatrizwilliams.com/

Book for April: Famous Last Words by Gillian McAllister