My love for reading and books stemmed rather late in life. However, once I realized the beauty and power of reading, there has been no looking back.

I have read books from a range of authors, from different eras, diverse genres, multiple formats (story, poetry, etc.) and different topics - from history, to romance, to genetics, to religion, to spirituality, to leadership, to personal growth, to business.

Looking back, reading has definitely helped me in more than one way. In this article, I share my experiences on reading.

One of the most significant benefits of reading is that it opens your mind to a range of subjects and possibilities. Best examples of books/authors who influenced my thinking are Malcolm Gladwell (books like The Tipping Point, Outliers), Robin Cook (especially the books like Mutation, Outbreak), Ayn Rand (Fountainhead). Just reading their books opened my mind to what is even possible - in life, genetics and emotions!

Reading Strengthens Your Vocabulary

Whichever language you read in, you tend to learn one or a few new words or usage of words, which helps immensely in building a stronger language base.

Reading Makes You Imaginative

Whenever I read, I tend to imagine a lot of things based on what is written. Two of my all time favorite book are The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini and Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden. Reading these books made me imagine so many things that the process of reading transported me to a different world all together. I saw both the movies, but did not enjoy them as much as the book as there was nothing left to imagination!

Reading Takes You Across the World

The knowledge and understanding of different places of the world is enhanced as most books tend to be strongly influenced by a place, region, sites, sounds, smells, seasons! And as a result, you learn and travel across the work from the comfort of your home.

Reading Makes You a Better in Writing

Any writer will vouch that reading and writing go hand in hand. The more you read, the better you get at writing.

Reading Makes You Disciplined

Whenever reading is a priority for me, I structure my day to ensure I make time for reading. That can be reading for 30 minutes in the morning or reading for my kids in the evening before bed.

How do you think reading helps you? Leave a comment below.