Six in 10 have been inspired to try something new - after reading a book
The novels that have left readers most inspired include "All Creatures Great And Small", by James Herriot, and Gerald Durrell's "My Family and Other Animals".
Six in 10 adults have been inspired to take up or do something new after reading – including change career, learn a new language, and climb a mountain, research has found. A poll of 2,000 adults, who read for pleasure, found 26 percent have been compelled to make a positive change to their lives after reading.
As many as 25 percent said they’re “likely” to try something new after reading about it, while 57 percent agree anyone looking for inspiration should get stuck into a good book.
Other things those polled have been inspired to do by the pages of a book include travel, write, and cook at home.
The study, commissioned by makers of the Galaxy Tab S9 Series, Samsung, found that reading helps 77 percent to relax, while 49 percent said it makes them feel “happier”.
Broadcaster Nick Grimshaw, who has partnered with the tech giants for “The Creative Station”, a pop-up in London Waterloo station that gives a platform to the positive power of reading, said: “Reading is something I try and make time for every day, either to help me relax, to help on a creative project, or to try new things – whether that’s taking my hand to writing, or researching a new project.”
And speaking specifically about the pop-up, he hopes it will “help people unlock their own creativity”, and “even unearth an inspirational author or two”.
The study also found that 86 percent believe reading can have a positive impact on our lives, with 69 percent of readers using the pastime as an escape from everyday life.
And 82 percent consider reading so important, they “never” travel without having something to read.
Fiction books are the most popular form of book, for 77 percent of readers. And 52 percent like to get stuck into a book in a long, dedicated session – with the average reading session stretching out for a leisurely 45 minutes.
Open for two weeks, Samsung’s one-of-a-kind experience will allow commuters to explore their creative side through a series of interactive workshops and activities, set to inspire people as they wait for their train.
Passers-by will be able to tuck into a host of recommended reads, and join the Book Club Tab Club hosted by BookTok and YouTube star, Freya Nightingale, among other activities.
Annika Bizon, spokeswoman for Samsung's “The Creative Station”, powered by the Galaxy Tab S9 Series, added: “We believe that the joy of getting lost in reading can be enhanced by technology – taking adventures off paper and onto devices, so they can be enjoyed wherever you are.
“Our exciting pop-up experience at London Waterloo allows readers to express their creativity, ignite inspiration, and immerse themselves in their favourite reads.”
TOP 40 MOST INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS:
- All Creatures Great and Small, by James Herriot
- My Family and Other Animals, by Gerald Durrell
- The Lord Of The Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkein
- The Da Vinci Code, by Dan Brown
- The Secret Garden, by Frances Hodgson Burnett
- The “Harry Potter” series, by J.K. Rowling
- The Hitchhiker's Guide To The Galaxy, by Douglas Adams
- Robinson Crusoe, by Daniel Defoe
- Wuthering Heights, by Emily Brontë
- Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert
- Far From The Madding Crowd, by Thomas Hardy
- Pride and Prejudice, by Jane Austen
- Swallows and Amazons, by Arthur Ransome
- 2001: A Space Odyssey, by Arthur C. Clarke
- Band Of Brothers, by Stephen E. Ambrose
- Wolf Hall, by Hilary Mantel
- The Queen's Gambit, by Walter Trevis
- On The Road, by Jack Kerouac
- The Salt Path, by Raynor Winn
- Where The Crawdads Sing, by Delia Owens
- One Day, by David Nicholls
- Fever Pitch, by Nick Hornby
- The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Beach, by Alex Garland
- High Fidelity, by Nick Hornby
- Lessons In Chemistry, by Bonnie Garmus
- The Martian, by Andy Weir
- Starter For Ten, by David Nicholls
- Wild: From Lost To Found On The Pacific Crest Trail, by Cheryl Strayed
- Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, by Gabrielle Zevin
- The Ladies' Midnight Swimming Club, by Faith Hogan
- Ghosts, by Dolly Alderton
- A Good Year, by Peter Mayle
- The Friday Night Knitting Club, by Kate Jacobs
- Heartburn, by Nora Ephron
- Ready Player One, by Ernest Cline
- Sunlight On The Lawn, by Beverley Nichols
- Daisy Jones and The Six, by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- How To Make An American Quilt, by Whitney Otto
- The Dressmaker, by Rosalie Ham