Ratings

Story: Laid back

This book was a bit out of my ballpark. But I was intrigued and wanted to give this a go. The story itself was interesting, but very laid back.

Profanity: Moderate (or higher)

Cameron swears a lot. If you skip his chapters, profanity would be mild to none. I learned very quickly to start skipping most of his chapters. (Sorry, Van Pelt.) When Cameron is around Tova he gets much better, but takes a dive during his crisis moment.

Gore: Zero

Character development: Good

I enjoyed Tova and loved the Octopus. Cameron (or, however it was spelled), I did not care for, unless he was around Tova. I also loved Ethan, however brief his scenes.

Pacing: Slow

The pacing is probably spot-on for the genre, but I am rating it slow because I am inclined to more action driven plots.

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At first glance, the idea that reading could make someone "dumber" seems counterintuitive. Especially if you read my recent post about “The Hidden Benefits of Reading.” 📚 However, like any tool, reading can be used in ways that either enhance or hinder our mental growth. In this post, we’ll explore some areas where it’s possible for reading to have negative effects.

How Reading Could Potentially Have Negative Effects

1. Poor Quality Information 📰❌

One way reading could lead to intellectual stagnation or even regression is by consuming low-quality or misleading content. The digital age has brought about an overwhelming abundance of information, much of it inaccurate or sensationalized. Reading material that reinforces false beliefs or encourages simplistic thinking can indeed lead to misconceptions or skewed perceptions of the world. This is particularly true with the rise of social media and news outlets that prioritize clickbait over fact-based reporting.

When a person frequently engages with shallow or unverified content, their ability to discern credible sources and critically analyze information may diminish, leading to what some might call “getting dumber.” 😵‍💫

2. Confirmation Bias 🔄🔍

Reading can also make us more entrenched in our pre-existing beliefs. If we only read material that confirms what we already think, we may become intellectually lazy, avoiding content that challenges our views. This reinforces confirmation bias, making us less likely to engage in meaningful dialogue or consider other perspectives.

While reading widely 🌍 can mitigate this, sticking only to books, articles, or blogs that agree with our worldview can limit our ability to grow intellectually. 🌱

3. Mental Fatigue from Information Overload 📲💥

In the age of instant information, the sheer volume of content can overwhelm us. Consuming too much material without enough time for reflection can lead to mental fatigue. This "information overload" can make it difficult to retain what we’ve read, leaving us feeling mentally sluggish or forgetful. 🧠💤

Also, Consider the Role of Active vs. Passive Reading

Not all reading is created equal. 📖 Active reading, where you engage with the text by questioning, analyzing, and thinking critically about the material, helps to reinforce learning and mental growth. On the other hand, passive reading—where you simply absorb content without much thought or reflection—can be less beneficial. If someone is constantly engaging in passive reading, they may not be processing the information deeply enough to remember or apply it effectively, which could create the illusion of getting "dumber." 🧠💡

So, Can Reading Make You Dumber? 🤔

In conclusion, reading itself does not make you dumber. However, the type of material you read and how you engage with it can either enhance or detract from your cognitive abilities. By focusing on high-quality, diverse content and actively engaging with what you read, you can ensure that your reading habits make you smarter, not dumber. 💪📚

References:

1. Wilson, R. S., et al. (2013). Life-span cognitive activity, neuropathologic burden, and cognitive aging. [Neurology, 81(4), 314-321](https://n.neurology.org/content/81/4/314).

2. Nicholas Carr. (2010). The Shallows: What the Internet is Doing to Our Brains. [W.W. Norton & Company](https://wwnorton.com/books/9780393339758).

3. Vosoughi, S., Roy, D., & Aral, S. (2018). The spread of true and false news online. [Science, 359(6380), 1146-1151](https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.aap9559).

4. Chabris, C. F., & Simons, D. J. (2010). The Invisible Gorilla: And Other Ways Our Intuitions Deceive Us. [Crown](https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/300061/the-invisible-gorilla-by-christopher-chabris-and-daniel-simons/).

Looking for more?

You might enjoy last week’s post. 👇

If you like books 📚 but don’t make time for reading, you’re not alone. I’m guilty of it too! Yet, there are so many reasons to crack that book open and disappear for a while. Yes, there are scientifically proven reasons to read, and they don’t require hours out of your day or reading something educational. Reading can be fun AND beneficial.

Even so, it is still challenging. But what if I told you that simply going through the motions counteracts the challenges that stop us? 🤯

Below are 3 hidden benefits to reading, why it’s challenging, and how reading counteracts the challenge. And guess what? You’re already reading 📖. So you’re already soaking up the benefits. 🤩

1. Mental Stimulation and Cognitive Benefits

Books are a great way to keep your mind sharp. Studies show that reading can improve brain function, enhance concentration, and even delay the onset of mental decline as we age. According to Harvard Medical School, mentally stimulating activities like reading may help improve cognitive reserve, keeping your brain 🧠 healthier for longer. Additionally, research published in the journal Neurology indicates that engaging in mentally challenging activities such as reading can delay cognitive decline.

• The challenge: In a world full of distractions, staying focused on a book can be difficult.

• The counteraction: Reading demands focus, and over time, it strengthens💪 your ability to concentrate for longer periods, helping you become more resilient to distractions.

2. Stress Reduction

While many turn to quick entertainment for relaxation, reading offers a more profound form of stress relief 🧘 . According to a 2009 study by the University of Sussex, reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68%, more effectively than other relaxation techniques like listening to music or walking. Immersing yourself in a good story allows your mind to take a break from daily stressors and fully unwind.

• The challenge: Carving out time to read amidst a busy schedule can seem impossible. 😵‍💫

• The counteraction: By committing even 15-20 minutes ⏱️ a day to reading, you can significantly lower your stress levels, improving both productivity and mental clarity in the long run.

3. Empathy and Perspective

Books provide windows into other people’s lives, experiences, and emotions. Whether through fiction or non-fiction, reading allows us to understand viewpoints and cultures different from our own👩🏾‍⚖️👨🏻‍🎤. A study published in Scientific American found that reading literary fiction improves 💞 empathy, enhancing our ability to connect with others emotionally. Additionally, research in the journal PLOS ONE suggests that reading fiction strengthens theory of mind, which is the ability to attribute mental states to oneself and others—key to fostering empathy.

• The challenge: It’s easy to stay within the comfort zone of familiar content, such as social media or news, where algorithms reinforce 🔁 our existing views.

• The counteraction: Reading diverse material encourages you to break out of echo chambers, promoting empathy and understanding by offering insights into lives and worlds 🌎 🌍 outside your own.

Concluding Thoughts 💭

Despite the obvious benefits, reading is too easily pushed 🫸🏻 aside. With so many entertainment options at our fingertips 📱, from endless streaming services 🎥 to quick social media updates, committing to a book often seems less appealing. The immediate gratification from other media can make books feel slow 🐢 in comparison. Finding the focus 🔍 or time to dive into a novel or non-fiction work can be a real challenge. 🏋🏻

However, once you begin to experience the benefits—whether it’s reduced stress, improved focus, or a broadened perspective—reading becomes a habit worth cultivating.

❓❓❓What book are you reading right now? I’d love to hear about it.

Need a Book Suggestion?

If you’re looking for your next great read, you can check out my recommendations on Bookshop.org. It’s a fantastic way to find new books while supporting independent bookstores. Plus, you can feel good knowing you’re helping small businesses thrive.

Bookshop.org

If you purchase through this link, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Happy reading! 📚

For more info, here are links to the sources referenced in the blog post:

- Harvard Medical School - Benefits of Reading Books: [Harvard Health Blog](https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/reading-books-is-good-for-your-brain-2016081110130)

- Neurology Journal: [Neurology Study](https://n.neurology.org/content/early/2013/07/03/WNL.0b013e31829c5e8a) (This study discusses how cognitive activities, including reading, are associated with a slower rate of cognitive decline.)

- University of Sussex Study (2009): [The Telegraph - Reading 'can help reduce stress'](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html) (This article discusses the results of the University of Sussex study on stress reduction through reading.)

- Scientific American - Novel Finding: Reading Literary Fiction Improves Empathy: [Scientific American](https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/novel-finding-reading-literary-fiction-improves-empathy/)

- PLOS ONE Journal - Reading Fiction and Theory of Mind: [PLOS ONE Study](https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0055319)

Ratings

Story: Delightful

There is some back and forth in the timeline (childhood and present day), but they are clear and have their own chapters. The only thing that felt off to me was a twist at the very end that had nothing to do with the plot. Other than that, I loved this book. For me, the level of enjoyment and the characters are reminiscent of Anne of Green Gables.

Profanity: Mild to none

I don’t recall any. But I’m sure there were a few mild ones.

Gore: Zero

A guy dies by poison. Nothing graphic.

Character development: Excellent

The characters were rich and enjoyable.

Pacing: Moderate

It doesn’t take long for the mystery aspect to begin and the story flows nicely, with events bridged by entertaining dialogue and backstory.

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Morning comes too soon. Yet, not quick enough. 

My body aches for movement—my mind for a blank slate. To work in my sleep is what I wish. To live and not be real is how I die. 

Needs beckon. No job too small. All work must be done. 



Smile at a lie. Tip my hat to industry. 

Yes, I can do everything you need. Here are my accomplishments, don’t you see? 

You’re great, but no. We’re choosing another...

Smile at the lie. Tip my hat to industry. 

Can’t I do everything they need? They don’t seem to think so. What else could it be?



A notice arrives. It glances at me. 

I seize the moment. Can it be? 

Smile at truth? Tip your hat to artistry? 

A breath of life is what it seems, like a warm cup of coffee in a cool autumn breeze. This opportunity was made for me.

Smile at truth. Tip my hat to artistry.

Yes, I can do everything you need. Here are my accomplishments, don’t you see?

…

My words fall on empty ears. No truth. No lie. 

Was it ever real? Is no one alive?



The end of the day, and no needs are met. 

Not mine. Not theirs. But yet...

We keep moving. Were they needs at all? 

They must not be; otherwise, we’d fall. 

So my needs must be wants. No one needs values. No one needs art. 

No one wants me. I must deaden my heart.

Survive out of fear.

Walk without tears.

Smile at a lie. Tip my hat to industry. 



I do not fear death, for I already am most days. 

What I dread is forever remaining one of the living dead, always in a haze.

Death comes to us all. It’s already here. 

You’re already dead. Do you know what you fear?

Will you wake up?

...

Smile at a lie. Tip your hat to industry.

Or smile at truth and tip your hat to artistry.

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Ratings

Story: Good

I would not say I liked it as much as the first, but I thought I’d pick out the killer for sure this time, and I wasn’t even close. Overall, I enjoyed it. If you liked “The Woman in the Window” or “Knives Out,” then you’ll probably enjoy Finn’s “End of Story.” On a side note, I sometimes found the imagery confusing, so I wouldn’t say this is for everyone.

Profanity: Moderate

The f-word was introduced about halfway and peppered on and off through the end.

Gore: Mild

The most graphic scene is the introduction. Blood is mentioned a few times later, but not in depth.

Character development: Fantastic

The characters are very life-like. I can still picture the characters in my head, even some of the less important ones.

Pacing: Moderate

The chapters are brief, and the meat of the story isn’t until halfway through. It was never dull, but I was beginning to wonder when things would take off.