Bookmaxxing

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In a September 18, 2026 episode of Short Wave, NPR’s Regina G. Barber and Juana Summers explore the joys and health benefits of what the show calls bookmaxxing. The episode draws on a new review of research showing that reading for fun is good for the brain, at a time when reading rates among children and adults are falling.

Key Highlights

  • The old advice holds up. The episode description starts with a familiar memory: parents and teachers telling us to read because it’s good for us. According to NPR, a compilation of the latest research shows they were right.
  • A review of reading for fun. The review, published in the journal Psychological Medicine, looked specifically at recreational reading, meaning reading for pleasure. It found broad benefits for children, adolescents and older adults.
  • Benefits for memory and the aging brain. As NPR summarizes the findings, reading can benefit memory and executive function, and can help keep the brain from aging in older adults.
  • Simple and accessible. Christelle Langley, a cognitive neuroscientist at the University of Cambridge and co-author of the review, told NPR that reading is “one of the simplest and most accessible activities” for supporting health. She pointed to benefits for cognitive performance, brain health, mental health and overall wellbeing across a person’s life.

The trend isn’t new to this episode. In June 2026, the Guardian took a lighthearted look at “booksmaxxing” as reading became fashionable, while noting that reading for pleasure is declining overall.

Acknowledgement: This summary was generated using AI writing tools as part of my AI exploration process. For more information, check out the original articles listed below.

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