Some people love to read, others not so much. Even
book lovers and avid readers will debate whether or not one should take
time to read “the classics” – those older, great works of literature
that have endured the test of time. There are, in fact, many great
reasons to read classic literature. And, it’s not just because we said
so.

1.  Reading the classics will make you smarter.
Want to impress your boss at the Christmas party? Increase your SAT
score? No matter your reason, reading the classics can help you flex
your brain muscles in a very positive way. Reading classic literature
will improve your vocabulary, expose you to various literary styles,
boost comprehension skills, and give you insight into history and
culture from all around the globe… and so much more.

2.  You’ll improve your social skills.
No, really, it’s true. A recent study showed that reading classics, in
contrast to modern commercial fiction, could lead to better social
perception and emotional maturity. The more character-driven the novel,
the more your personal ethics are strengthened, the study also found.

3. It helps you understand history and culture in context.
Great works of literature cover nearly every period of modern history.
Reading these books give us a nice peek into the culture of the day,
while allowing the reader to have a keen eye on the events that helped
shape history forever. It’s like playing connect-the-dots with your
brain! Plus, let’s be honest – any novel is usually much more fun to
read than boring history textbooks.

4.  Appreciating great literature is appreciating art.
The written word is truly gift of art. As with any art form, sometimes
the only way you can learn to appreciate it is expose yourself to it.
Doing so helps you become a more well rounded person. Enjoying various
works of great classic literature is no less important than taking in an
art show or concert once in awhile.

5.  We have the resources – so why not?
In modern America, it’s easy to take things for granted. Books are
really no different. Do you know how many people across the globe would
love to have access to the books we have at our fingertips, courtesy of
the Internet and technology? How would you feel if tomorrow, somehow all
the books at your disposal mysteriously vanished forever? You would
probably wish you had taken the time to read them.

6.  Human nature doesn’t change.
The classics allow us to see that people “way back then” struggled with
many of the same things we struggle with today. The human experience is
relatable across decades and centuries. People, experiences, emotions,
and life perspectives have not changed all that much throughout the
course of time. What was written a hundred years ago (or more) is still
relevant today.

Want to get started with some really great classics? Our audio adventures are one easy way to get your kids (and yourself) into the classics. They are enjoyable, fun, and exciting ways to experience great literature. Research also shows that listening to someone read or perform a great story is just as beneficial as reading itself. Our audio adventures will help strengthen listening and attention skills too… another great benefit we could all appreciate!

Culled from Live and Adventure Letter