Liane Mahugh - Down Comes The Dark

1. Why Developing an Intimate Relationship with Reading is Essential in Today’s Digital World? The constant digital noise, the showoff of social media, and endless reels have created a huge impact on human lives. In fact, they have been linked to various disorders in kids, negative impacts on adolescents and adults. Away from this digital noise, reading offers a soothing experience with the positivity of lifelong learning. Developing an intimate relationship with books isn’t just a nostalgic return to the past; it’s a powerful act of self-care, personal growth, and mental resilience. For young adults especially, cultivating a lifelong reading habit can unlock doors far beyond the pages of a novel. A great read like Down Comes

2. The Dark by a renowned, award-winning author can have a huge impact on young adults. Reading in thisage of online distraction The digital content has been known to fragment our attention. Social media platforms encourage quick consumption, short videos dominate screen time, and notifications can pull onein every direction. Reading, by contrast, demands focus, patience, and presence. It’s one of the few activities that invites one to slow down and dive deep — into a story, an idea, or a new perspective. Developing a relationship with reading helps retrain the brain for deep work and concentration. The more we read, the easier it becomes to resist the pull of distractions. This mental discipline translates into better focus at work or school, stronger decision-making skills, and even improved memory. A hobby that grows with time Unlike many hobbies that come and go, reading is one that evolves with the reader, throughout their lives. What one loves at 20 may be different from what they would prefer at 40 — but the habit remains a constant companion. It’s endlessly adaptable: one can read fiction for escape, nonfiction for knowledge, poetry for reflection, or graphic novels for visual storytelling. Books are also an affordable, low-barrier hobby. Libraries are free. Ebooks are widely accessible. There’s no need to have a special equipment, and a book can be carried anywhere. Whether on a packed subway or tucked into bed, a book is a convenient companion. Building emotional intelligence and empathy

3. For young adults navigating identity, relationships, and future goals, reading offers a mirror and a window. Fiction, non-fiction, young adult novels, and other genres allow them to think critically, from others point of views, understand different perspectives, and gain emotional intelligence. A great book, like Down Comes The Dark, presents not just literary excellence, but strong storytelling that young minds can feel connected to. Of course, there are practical benefits of reading that comes along.