Devon Book Club discussion

For readers, the fact that stories can change a person is nothing new. But a new study shows that reading a story book can bring real change in the brain, which persist for a few days even after the book ends.

Stories help shape our lives, and sometimes help define a person. We want to understand how they enter our brain, and we are able to do with it.

While other research in this area began to use MRI to identify brain networks associated with reading, especially as people read, the natural effects of the story remain in the brain after this activity.

Researchers do not yet know how to say how far these changes can go, but they have persisted for at least the first five days after the reading, analyzed in this study. “The fact that these effects detected a few days after reading a novel randomly suggests that favorite novels of a person can trigger more intense and lasting effects,” says the researcher.The Story of Fredric Mouse

Interesting - there is a free online course starting on Monday 1st Feb, offered by Futurelearn in conjunction with Warwick Uni, called Literature for Mental Health - Reading for Wellbeing. There is a lot of interest in this course, more than 9000 people have already signed up for it! I found out about it from Emily, another member of our Devon Book Club.

Mark wrote: "For readers, the fact that stories can change a person is nothing new. But a new study shows that reading a story book can bring real change in the brain, which persist for a few days even after th..."

Very interesting Mark. Does the research indicate what the nature of those changes are? Also, and I am probably missing something but how does that connect with the book link you provided?

Eva wrote: "Pages of mystery , action and incredible revelations , but which seem so real that when you leave the book from your hand , you think only of its topic, for at least several days ..that is THE TOUC..."

Thanks Eva. Sounds great, though I'm having problems registering through the link. I'll try later. Can you tell us any more about the book?

Eva wrote: "The Touch by Claudiu Neacsu :I think it is the most original book of many books ever written . Congratulations original topic ! Everything in this novel is unpredictable . I tell you , whatever you..."

I'm repeatedly trying to register and it wont complete - very frustrating, especially after your glowing recommendation! I'll try again another day