Podcast: The Delights of Deep Reading

Episode #275 explores why long-form reading matters.

Once upon a time, getting lost in a book was second nature. But in today’s fast-paced, screen-filled world, deep reading has become a struggle—not just for kids, but for adults too.

In this Brave Writer podcast episode, we explore:

• why long-form reading matters,

• how digital consumption affects our focus,

• and practical ways to rebuild the habit of immersive reading.

From creating family reading rituals to understanding how books shape our worldview, we unpack strategies to help kids and parents alike reconnect with the joy of sustained reading.

Tune in and let’s turn the page together!

Listen to the podcast.

Show Notes

Do you remember getting lost in a book for hours, completely immersed in another world? For many of us, reading used to be an escape, a way to connect with new ideas and stories. But in today’s digital age, where our attention is constantly pulled in different directions, long-form reading has become more of a challenge—not just for kids, but for adults too.

With the rise of smartphones, social media, and quick-hit content, we find ourselves consuming words all day long—texts, emails, captions, and headlines. But this type of fragmented reading is very different from the sustained, immersive experience of reading a book. Instead of engaging deeply with a story or argument, we skim, react, and move on. This shift has real consequences, affecting our ability to focus, think critically, and fully absorb information.

Why Long-Form Reading Still Matters

Books demand our attention in a way that digital reading does not. When we commit to a novel or a lengthy piece of nonfiction, we allow the author time to build their case, develop their characters, and invite us into a richer, more complex world. This slow, deliberate process strengthens cognitive skills, deepens our ability to engage with ideas, and even fosters empathy.

Reading long-form texts also challenges our brains to retain information over time. Unlike scrolling through headlines or tweets, books require us to remember details from chapter to chapter, strengthening our memory and comprehension. This type of engagement builds patience, allowing us to form more thoughtful opinions rather than reacting instantly to soundbites.

Helping Our Kids Develop the Habit

As parents, we want to cultivate in our children a love for books that withstands the lure of digital distractions. But that doesn’t happen automatically—it takes intentional effort. Here are some strategies to bring back deep reading in your home:

• Make Reading a Shared Activity: Group reading, whether through read-alouds, buddy reading, or silent reading sessions together, creates an environment where books are part of everyday life. Even teenagers benefit from reading alongside a parent, simply sharing the same space.

• Create a Reading Ritual: Lighting a candle, making a cup of tea, or setting a cozy reading nook can transform reading into a pleasurable experience rather than just another task.

• Use the Library as a Resource: Letting kids browse shelves, pick out books that interest them, and bring home a stack is an exciting way to encourage engagement with physical books.

• Start Small and Build Up: If attention spans are short, begin with short stories, graphic novels, or poetry, and gradually work up to longer texts.

• Encourage Rereading: Revisiting favorite books isn’t just comforting; it strengthens comprehension and helps children see new layers in stories they already love.

The goal isn’t just to get our kids to read books—it’s to help them experience the depth, joy, and transformation that long-form reading can bring. If we, as parents, model this practice, we’ll not only strengthen our own focus but also invite our children into a lifelong relationship with books.

So, let’s slow down, pick up a book, and rediscover the magic of sustained reading.

Resources

• Check out Julie’s new author website: juliebogartwriter.com!

• Subscribe to Julie’s Substack newsletters: Brave Learning with Julie Bogart and Julie Off Topic

• Preorder Julie’s new book, Help! My Kid Hates Writing: How to Turn Struggling Students into Brave Writers

• Find Maryanne Wolf’s Reader, Come Home in the Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations

• Check out Readwise for saving and revisiting your favorite passages

• Find Melissa’s beloved Brighttech floor lamp on our “Tools for the Art of Writing” page

• Try out our Brave Writer Practice Pages

• Brave Writer Book Shop: https://bravewriter.com/book-shop/list/podcast-recommendations

• Learn more about the Brave Writer Literature & Mechanics programs

• Read all Brave Writer class descriptions

• Start a free trial of CTCmath.com to try the math program that’s sure to grab and keep your child’s attention

• Sign up for our Text Message Pod Ring to get podcast updates and more!

• Send us podcast topic ideas by texting us: +1 (833) 947-3684

Connect with Julie

• Instagram: @juliebravewriter

• Threads: @juliebravewriter

• Facebook: facebook.com/bravewriter

Connect with Melissa

• Website: melissawiley.com

• Substack: melissawiley.substack.com

• Instagram: @melissawileybooks

Produced by NOVA

---