Like many students, I entered law school as a voracious reader.  I didn’t fear the long hours of reading ahead of me, it was already one of my favorite things to do!  I read all types of books before law school: fiction, non-fiction, required reading, suggested reading, thought provoking philosophy, the guilty pleasure of beach reads, and everything in between. But as I slogged through opinion after opinion in casebooks, articles in law reviews and blogs on current developments in the law, something happened. I started to hate reading.

This is a common story for students: time is short, and the assignments are long. When one does have free time, using it in the pursuit of pleasure reading seems counterintuitive. Taking a break from reading with…more reading?  Additionally, digital distractions have grown exponentially in the past decade.  The phenomenon of doom scrolling is now commonplace and the negative effects on our wellbeing are well documented.

In contrast, reading for pleasure is well documented to have physical and mental benefits.  Don’t worry, I don’t expect you to read the studies, but here’s the gist: pleasure reading reduces stress, increases empathy, improves sleep, and improves critical thinking. It doesn’t matter if you read a literary masterpiece that changes your life and perceptions, or if you kick back with the most formulaic piece of fluff, the benefits of reading for pleasure persist.

As you gear up for finals, consider swapping 15 minutes of doom scrolling a day for pleasure reading. Just 15 minutes, and you’ll begin to see the benefits. You can even rest your eyes, the benefits to well-being and mental stimulation from listening to an audiobook are similar to those from reading a print resource.

I recently listened to Camino Island by John Grisham on the Libby app from my local library. It didn’t challenge my worldview, and I wouldn’t say I learned anything.  But it transported me to a world that wasn’t in chaos and allowed my nervous system a little respite. I didn’t have to consider the implications of various Supreme Court opinions or Executive Orders, nor did I need to stress over what I was making the kids for dinner, I just listened and enjoyed the story. Your choice of book doesn’t need to impress anyone for you to reap the benefits of reading.

The best part about reading is it can cost you nothing. Camino Island is currently available for check-out at Memorial Library. More interested in an older John Grisham?  A short search in the catalog, and you’ll find almost 40 other titles available at both the Law Library and Memorial Library.  The UW- Madison library system boasts books on all subjects and genres, including titles just for fun.  There are thousands of titles in popular fiction available across campus, simply search in the catalog and have them delivered to the Law Library.  Or take a trip down to 2 South and browse titles with the call number PS, which is American literature.  You’ll find FREE reading materials likely not due back until the fall semester.  Can’t find what you need?  Request it from another library via Interlibrary Loan. The possibilities are endless, and your next beach read is waiting.

Prefer e-resources over heavy physical books?  The University has you covered with Overdrive, sign in with your netID and you have access to thousands of audiobooks and eBooks. The benefits of reading for pleasure are not tied to the medium you are using, do what works for you and your life.

It doesn’t matter what you read, it doesn't matter how you read, but when you take the time to read for fun, you’ll see the benefits manifest in your daily wellbeing. It took me some time to relearn to love reading. I started by swapping 15 minutes of political podcasts with an audiobook on the way home. Then 30 minutes, then 60. I’m still informed about politics and doom scroll way more than I should, but I love reading again. So, grab that guilty pleasure and some headphones, and then enjoy the benefits to your health.

If you have questions about finding books in the library, on campus or any of the services mentioned, stop by the reference desk! 

Submitted by Liz Manriquez on April 22, 2025

This article appears in the categories: Law Library