Your Brain on Books Hi Reader, Reading does something powerful when your mind feels like it won’t slow down. It interrupts anxious thought loops. When you’re following a plot, tracking characters, and imagining scenes, your working memory is occupied. Your brain can’t spiral and stay immersed in a story at the same time. Reading creates a mental pause button. If this season has felt loud, heavy, or overstimulating, even a few quiet minutes with a book can help steady you. Episode 200 Is...

To DNF or Not DNF? Hi Reader, The summer is quickly coming to a close as my kids are starting school next week already! How about yours? It's crazy to think how fast this summer has gone. My reading habits are altered on summer break, as I spend a lot more time walking in the AM to the tune of an audiobook, than I do curled up in a blanket with my book. I am still an early riser, aiming for 430 am most days. I find that having a quiet cup of coffee or a few moments before my kids get up make...

Summer Reading Club + Episode 150 Celebration + Upcoming Events Hi Reader, I know school is out for many of your kids—unless you're here in San Diego, where we still have two weeks to go! I have such fond memories of summers stretching endlessly ahead, filled with warm weather, pool days, and—of course—books. Books were my escape and constant companion, especially during college and grad school. I was that student—happily picking up a leisure read over the coursework I was supposed to be...