Tuesday is National Book Lovers Day Posted: Aug 09, 2016 6:45 AM CST Updated: Aug 09, 2016 7:10 AM CST
National Book Lovers Day is Tuesday. (Source: Pixabay) National Book Lovers Day is Tuesday. (Source: Pixabay)
(RNN) - National Book Lovers Day is Tuesday. Celebrated every Aug. 9, it's an unofficial holiday that bibliophiles hold dear.
There's no need to feel guilty about hiding out with your favorite novel for a day. New research suggests books may spark some positive effects in the lives of readers.
A recent Yale study reported in Medical News Today found that reading works of fiction may encourage empathy.
The study also found that adults over 50 who read books for up to or more than 3.5 hours a week were 23 percent less likely to die over a 12-year follow-up.
Keith Oatley, a psychology professor at the University of Toronto - and also a novelist - told Medical Daily that the trend linking literature and psychology has taken off recently, noting that researchers are acknowledging, "There's something about imagination."
Another way to celebrate the day: Share what you're reading with the hashtag #NationalBookLoversDay on social media and interact with your fellow book lovers.
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