When was the last time you read a book? I know my answer, what’s yours? And while they are great, comic books unfortunately do not count. At least not in the same context as a standard novel would. 

Some of the most anticipated films set to hit the big screen in 2026 are book-to-movie adaptations. Over 10 classic adaptations are in the works for a theatrical debut, and yet, per year, the average American reads significantly less than that.  

Ironic right?

A common dilemma is whether we should read the book first or wait for the movie. I say to heck with it all and choose option one. It makes recognizing easter eggs that much more gratifying.

Put down your phones, go support your local bookstore, grab a cup of coffee or tea, and add some much-needed classic literature to your to-be-read list.

Don’t do it for “pretentious reasons” or solely for educational purposes, but to gain the ability to put your two cents in on ongoing discussions. 

Along with the nuance of why Jacob Elordi’s performance in Guillermo del Toro’s recent adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein” was phenomenal. However, his future project based on the Gothic Emily Brontë novel “Wuthering Heights” led to a controversial debate online on his casting as the beloved Heathcliff. 

Read the source material of next year’s top releases, such as Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” George Oakley’s “Sense and Sensability” and Garth Davis’s “East of Eden.” While stories like these may be dreadfully long with tiny font sizes and outdated verbiage. It will forever be worth ingesting, protecting and storing them, to keep books from fading away.

Even including, believe it or not, the well-renowned William Shakespeare.

Over the last 20 years, the number of Americans who read daily for pleasure has seen a rapid decline. According to the “Smithsonian Magazine,” between 2000 and 2023, the number of Americans who read for interest on a given day dropped by 3% each year. In 2004, it reached its peak with 28%, but by 2023, a decline of roughly 40% was experienced. 

This data is deeply concerning. The art of literature is one that is precious; historically, it has been a simple yet effective way to engage the imagination of others and improve the overall quality of life. Whilst all groups saw a vast decline, there are bigger drops seen for marginalized groups, such as people in lower-income rural areas. 

It is also important to note that by just picking up a book, you’re actively in protest, like members of The Banned Book Club. They are regular people who change the world a little everyday just by celebrating the privilege of literature. Their mission is to recommend and or read controversial books to prohibit extremists from seizing our rights to intellectual freedom. It is truly a fundamental cause, especially in a time when there is an ongoing censorship crisis in America and a lack of resources for accessing diverse books.

We need sharper minds than ever. After the pandemic, anti-intellectualism and media literacy have been more prevalent on social media. As a result, attention spans are reaching new lows. Screenwriters are making media content to be easily comprehensible, so that people can view at 2 times speed or doomscroll while watching at the same time. 

To help negate this, I plead to you to read diversely, learn and have fun. 

At first, it may be intimidating, but I would recommend starting the new year off right by reading something substantial, such as C.S Lewis’s “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe.” Therefore, when November rolls around again and you’re watching the infamous “Barbie” director Greta Gerwig’s take on the beloved novel. You could hold a newfound perspective and curate an influx of opinions. 

Screw it, be the nerd. Who wouldn’t want to be the one before watching a movie to exclaim that “I read the book first!”