South Korean author Hwang Bo-Reum was already on my radar after I completely enjoyed her 2024 book Welcome to the Hyunam-Dong Bookshop (mentioned here https://www.margueritereads.com/home/recent-reads-brief-mentions?rq=welcome). In this book, she presents a series of essays discussing all the many reasons for daily reading as an enriching activity; indeed, as a way to deepen your experience of life. Many of her reasons are familiar to most, such as always having a book with you, trolling the library and indie bookshops, and keeping lists of books read, and those you have an interest in reading.

Other suggestions are meant to make reading a more fulfilling activity, such as participating in a book discussion group, writing about your reading, and collecting quotes as you read. Hwang offers various ways to improve your focus, such as starting with bestsellers, small books, and using a timer; then challenging your skills by reading big books, difficult books, and multiple books at once. She suggests ways to make reading books a path to deepen self-reflection and thoughtfulness about life and the world around us, by reading classics, poetry, life-changing books, and books that lift your mood or challenge your views.

I have only touched on some of her many, many thoughtful suggestions. I love Hwang’s earnest candor, gentle persuasiveness, and self deprecating humor. Even if you are already a serious reader, Hwang’s essays are an enjoyable celebration of what seasoned readers know, and beginning readers will be motivated to learn— reading books is perhaps the most fulfilling activity one can, and should undertake. Enjoy this appreciation and reverie.