Morpheus

From Short Wave

Why we should all be 'bookmaxxing'

Published
September 19, 2026
Length
10:58

Audio is streamed from the publisher.

Show notes

Remember your mom, dad and teachers telling you to read because it’s good for you? Well, a compilation of the latest research shows they were right. “Reading is one of the simplest and most accessible activities for actually supporting cognitive performance, brain health, mental health, but also overall wellbeing throughout our lives,” said Christelle Langley, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge and co-author of review, published in the journal _Psychological Medicine._ The review looked specifically at recreational reading — reading for fun — and found broad benefits for children, adolescents and older adults. This episode, we dive deep into the joys and health benefits of bookmaxxing. _Interested in the science of reading_ _?_ _Email us your question at_ [_shortwave@npr.org_](mailto:shortwave@npr.org)_._ _Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include sponsor-free listening. Learn more at_ [http://plus.npr.org"target="\_blank"]( _plus.npr.org_ _._ See [pcm.adswizz.com]( https://pcm.adswizz.com">pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences. [NPR">https://www.npr.org/about-npr/179878450/privacy-policy">NPR](<a href=) Privacy Policy