Neurologist Dr. Richard Restak wrote “The Complete Guide to Memory.” And he says reading fiction demands extended attention to remember what happened at different stages in the story. After all, finding out whodunnit on page 200 won’t be as fun if you can’t remember the clue you read about back on page 20. So, we use deeper thinking skills, and concentrate harder, with fiction.
And Dr. Restak says that’s why people having memory problems start to prefer nonfiction! Because you can jump around a bit, and still get something from it – without having to focus, like when you read fiction.
Reading is also a workout for the brain. For example, if a character in your book is playing tennis, areas of your brain that would light up if you were physically playing tennis yourself are activated. And that can literally be seen in your brain waves when you read.
Fiction also rewires your brain in general. It strengthens your ability to imagine, remember details, and think through complex problems.
Bottom line: Reading exercises your brain and makes you functionally smarter!
