One of the unfortunate truths of school is that most students do not want to read. For some, it takes too long, and for others, there is just no interest in the subject, and this is a huge problem in society. The fact that people go so far as to despise reading in general is indicative of an issue that has no real solution, which is truly disappointing.

Reading not only improves critical thinking in general, but it also diversifies experiences of the readers. Most of Schuylkill County is isolated from the rest of the world, and as such, most people in this region have very few and similar stories to tell. While these stories certainly have worth, they mean nothing when they are shared exclusively within this societal vacuum that this region has created. By reading, even a little bit, people who have known one way of life since birth are given the opportunity to expand upon that.

Going outside of this area, reading can be helpful for simply knowing how to present an argument. By being exposed to more and more different types of literature, it is easy to pick up on some techniques that make an argument sound concise and sophisticated, important traits in the modern state of the art of persuasion. Instead of spewing the same few bullet points over and over again, it is possible for people on every side of the argument to bring their issues up in a mature manner.

There is no emphasis strong enough for how important reading can be. Even if it is simply a short novel, or a newspaper, or anything else for that matter, reading is crucial for advancement. This is why it is so disheartening to see that when given the opportunity to read at an early age, many are turned off to the idea immediately. Yes, it can be a hassle at times, but in the end, reading is so valuable that it is worth the effort and then some.