Novel November: Stories to Savor

As the leaves turn and autumn settles in, there’s no better time than “Novel November” to reconnect—or begin connecting—with the simple, profound joy of reading for pleasure. Far beyond a textbook or a Kindle “to-do” list, leisure reading is a habit that nourishes mind, heart, and soul. Let’s explore the benefits, the evidence, and how you can make this month (and beyond) a true celebration of books.

📚 Why Reading for Pleasure Matters

Leisure reading—selecting texts out of desire rather than obligation—has been shown to carry significant benefits:

1. Cognitive & academic advantages

• A study of high-school students found that those who engaged in self-selected pleasure reading averaged higher grades across English, mathematics, science, and history than non-readers.

• Early reading for pleasure (between ages 2-9) was found to correlate with better performance on cognitive tests, larger brain volume in certain regions, and fewer mental health problems in adolescence.

• A comprehensive literature review concluded that reading for pleasure is “a crucial foundation for lifelong learning … and can contribute to improved relationships with others, as well as to a better understanding of personal identity.”

2. Mental-health & wellbeing benefits

• Just six minutes of reading for pleasure reduced stress levels by 68%—a greater reduction than listening to music or taking a walk.

• Adults who read for at least 30 minutes a week were more likely to report greater life satisfaction.

• A systematic review found that leisure reading in older adults was linked to better cognitive health, emotional well-being, and potentially increased longevity.

  
  

3. Social, emotional & imaginative growth

• Research finds that readers of fiction enhance their empathy, emotional intelligence, and ability to see others’ perspectives.

• Reading for pleasure is associated with stronger self-esteem, better coping in difficult situations, and improved sleep patterns.

  
  

4. The state of reading—some sobering stats

• In the U.S., 80% of adults aged 16+ say they read at least occasionally for pleasure; women (84%) were more likely than men (75%) to say this.

• A UK-based research report found that only 50% of adults reported reading regularly for pleasure in 2024—down from 58% in 2015.

• Among adults, 19% say that reading stops them feeling lonely, and weekly readers were more likely to report greater life satisfaction.

  
  

These findings together suggest that while reading for pleasure offers broad benefits, fewer and fewer people are engaging in it regularly.

🎯 Making “Novel November” Work for You

Here are practical ways to seize the momentum of this month and cultivate a sustainable leisure-reading habit:

1. Choose with freedom

Pick what you want to read—fiction, memoirs, graphic novels, magazines, audiobooks—all count. Research highlights that the joy of choosing is part of what makes pleasure reading different from assigned reading.

2. Carve out consistent time

Even six minutes can make a difference. Consider setting a small, realistic goal—whether 10 minutes before bed, during lunch, or while commuting.

3. Read actively but enjoyably

Let your mind wander, pause, reflect, or laugh. Pleasure reading is not about performance. The goal is enjoyment—and through that, it delivers the benefits.

4. Create a cozy setting

Make reading inviting: a blanket-fort, a warm drink, minimal screens. The environment can shift reading from “chore” to “treat.”

5. Share and connect

Book clubs, reading groups, online forums (e.g., a virtual “Novel November” check-in) enhance motivation and deepen the experience; social connection itself is a benefit of reading.

6. Honor the ebb and flow

Some days you’ll read a lot, other days less. The aim is regularity, not perfection. Even infrequent reading can be better than none.

📝 A Simple Reading Plan for the Month

Here’s a flexible framework you can adapt:

• Week 1: Choose your book(s). No pressure—browse, sample chapters, e-books, library loans.

• Week 2: Establish a reading ritual (e.g., 10 min each evening).

• Week 3: Engage more deeply—jot down favorite lines, think about characters or ideas, connect with another reader.

• Week 4: Reflect on what you’ve read. Consider what you’ll read next. Celebrate your progress.

🌟 Final Thoughts

“Novel November” needn’t be just a catchy phrase—it can be a turning point. Reading for pleasure is more than a pastime; it’s a practice that supports learning, wellness, empathy, and joy. With evidence behind it and no onerous requirements ahead of you, the only question is: what will you pick up first?

Here’s to quieter moments, new worlds, and the pleasures of the page. Happy reading!

Henry Buhl Library has thousands of books for your reading pleasure. Start your search here and find your next great adventure today!

References

Clark, C., & Rumbold, K. (2006). Research evidence on reading for pleasure. Department for Education. GOV.UK

Goodwin, C. (2023, September 18). The benefits of reading for pleasure. Psychology Today. Psychology Today

Hayes, T. (2024, July 15). The many benefits of reading for pleasure. University of Virginia News. University of Virginia Education

Mak, H., & Fancourt, D. (2020). Reading for pleasure: A review of current research. Reading for Pleasure: A Review of Current Research. SpringerLink

Reading Agency. (2024). Adult reading research report. The Reading Agency

Reading Agency. (n.d.). Reading facts. The Reading Agency

Whitten, L., et al. (2016). The impact of pleasure reading on academic success. Journal of Multidisciplinary Graduate Research. shsu.edu

University of Cambridge. (2022). Reading for pleasure early in childhood linked to better cognitive performance and mental wellbeing. cam.ac.uk

UpStream Prevention. (n.d.). 3 unexpected benefits of reading for pleasure as an adult. upstreamprevention.org