Why Literacy Matters and 3 Books To Start The New Year

Jan 3

In 2023, I rediscovered the magic of reading for pleasure. While my childhood experiences with books weren't always enjoyable, and grad school left me feeling burnt out. So for almost 2 years I stop reading for fun.

But in 2023, I made a life changing decision to start reading again every morning on my commute to work, on my lunch breaks, and before bed. It was those small micro-habits that change my relationship with reading. Something that so many don’t realize is being able to read is a PRIVILEGE. I grew up with an abuelita who is illiterate and her not being able to read important documents. Sadly this the reality for many indigenous people in Latin America and for many Americans as well.

According to the National Literacy Institute 21 percent of adults in the US were illiterate in 2022. 54% of adults have a literacy rate below 6th grade level and 44% of the American adults do not read a book in a year.

When you are illiterate there have adverse risks including being diagnosed with cancer or heart
disease. And there are multigenerational, economic and health consequences from the literacy crisis.

Now that you understand the importance and privilege of literacy. I’m going to make 3 book recommendations to start your year and that I read in 2023 that change my life completely. These books are both informative and interesting.