How books influence our emotions
Tom and I were sitting in the pub. An hour had passed, or it may have been two. We had run out of conversation. There is only so much one can talk about the World Cup and the mad men of politics. I knew long silences made Tom fall asleep. So, I asked him a question to keep him awake. I didn’t want stares from other drinkers in the pub, the ones who were still awake.
‘Have you ever laughed out loud while reading one of my books or felt sad when a favourite character has faced a challenge?’ I asked.
He gave a surprisingly coherent reply in spite of the three pints he had already downed and was halfway through the fourth.
‘Yes! Sometimes I feel like I’m right there with the characters.’
‘That’s because books have a special way of touching our emotions and taking us on unforgettable journeys,’ I said.
‘How do they do that?’ he asked.
‘When we read, we step into different worlds and meet all kinds of characters. We celebrate their successes, worry about their problems, and sometimes even cry when things don’t go their way,’ I said.
‘So that’s why I get so attached to characters in your stories!’
‘Exactly. A good book can make you feel as if you’re part of the story, experiencing every twist and turn alongside the characters.’
‘Can books also help when I’m feeling tired or stressed, like right now?’ he said. His speech was beginning to slur, but he was still awake.
‘Absolutely! Books are great mood boosters. After a long and tiring day, reading a funny novel or an inspiring story can help you relax and feel better.’
‘Do books inspire other people too?’ he asked in a dubious tone as if he didn’t believe that was possible
‘They certainly do, my friend. Stories about brave heroes or ordinary people achieving extraordinary things can fill everyone with hope and motivation.’
‘So, they remind us that challenges can be overcome,’ he said. This was a silly statement, and I began to wonder if he was about to fall asleep here.
‘Exactly, Tom. They show us that dreams can come true with effort and determination.’
‘Can reading also help us understand other people’s feelings?’ he asked.
Hold on here, I thought, I was meant to be asking the questions, not you.
‘Yes, it can. By reading about different experiences, we learn how people feel in various situations. This helps us become more understanding, kind, and empathetic toward others.’
‘That’s amazing. It sounds like your books teach us important life lessons as well,’ he said.
I wondered if he was being sarcastic here. But he was keeping a straight face, and his eyes were still open,
‘They do. In fact, all my books offer a new emotional adventure. They may make you laugh or leave you thinking of the meaning of life.’
‘Ah, meaning of life,’ he said and pushed his empty glass towards me. ‘You owe me a pint for my input into your lugubrious crap.’
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