Think of reading as the gym for your writing muscles. The more you read, the stronger your writing becomes. Here’s how:

1. You’ll Build a Better Vocabulary. Reading exposes you to words and phrases you probably don’t use in everyday conversation. Before you know it, you’ll have fresh ways to express ideas without sounding like a thesaurus.
2. You’ll Learn Style Without Even Trying. Ever noticed how some writers are funny, while others make you cry? Reading different types of books shows you how style and structure work. You’ll pick up on what makes stories flow naturally and how writers create tension or joy.
3. You’ll Spark New Ideas. Some of the best ideas for writing come from the stories you read. A single “What if…” moment can lead to a completely new project.

You’ll Develop Empathy. Good writing connects with people, and empathy is at the heart of that connection. When you read, you step into someone else’s shoes—an experience that helps you create characters and stories readers will love.

If you’re serious about writing (or even just a little bit curious), don’t just stick to one genre. The best writers read widely. Below is a starter list to get you going, along with notes on where to exercise caution for younger readers.

Fiction

Family-Friendly:

• Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White: A masterclass in emotional storytelling that teaches how to weave simple yet profound themes into a narrative.
• The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien: A perfect example of world-building, pacing, and creating memorable characters.
• Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen: For sharp wit, unforgettable characters, and masterful dialogue that brings social dynamics to life.
• Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: A study in character-driven storytelling with heart and a deep understanding of human relationships.
• The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis: Perfect for studying imagination, allegory, and timeless themes of good versus evil.

Caution for Younger Readers:

• To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: A timeless story about moral courage, with themes of justice and empathy that challenge writers to think deeply.
• 1984 by George Orwell: A dystopian masterpiece that demonstrates how to create tension, build a chilling atmosphere, and convey complex ideas.
• Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck: A powerful exploration of loneliness and human connection, showing how to develop meaningful, layered characters.
• The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: A lesson in symbolism, vivid imagery, and the art of creating flawed yet compelling characters.

Nonfiction

Family-Friendly:

• Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell: For lessons on structure and storytelling in real-life scenarios, showcasing how to turn research into compelling narratives.
• Writing for the Soul by Jerry Jenkins: A must-read for anyone exploring faith-based writing or storytelling with purpose.

Caution for Younger Readers:

• Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott: A witty, down-to-earth guide on writing with honesty and vulnerability, but with candid humor best suited for older readers.
• The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: A call to overcome creative resistance, with occasional strong language and themes that resonate most with adult readers.

Poetry and Plays

Family-Friendly:

• The Complete Poems of Emily Dickinson: A treasure trove of imagery and brevity, ideal for learning how to convey deep meaning in few words.
• Our Town by Thornton Wilder: A play that highlights the beauty of everyday moments and teaches writers how to capture universal truths.
• Robert Frost: Selected Poems: A master of vivid imagery and accessible language, perfect for learning how to balance simplicity with depth.
• The Collected Poems of Robert Service: Narrative poetry that combines adventure and humor, showing writers how to keep readers engaged with rhythm and storytelling.

Caution for Younger Readers:

• A Raisin in the Sun by Lorraine Hansberry: Tackles complex themes of racism, poverty, and family, making it a powerful lesson in layering social issues into compelling narratives.
• Shakespeare’s Sonnets: While timeless, the themes of love and passion may require thoughtful guidance for younger readers.
• The Tempest by William Shakespeare: A tale of magic and betrayal that’s best appreciated by older readers familiar with Shakespearean language.

Must-Have Resources

• The Elements of Style by Strunk and White: A tiny book with a huge impact on your writing. (Jerry Jenkins recommends reading it once a year.)
• Save the Cat! by Blake Snyder: For storytelling structure and crafting engaging plots.
• Writing Down the Bones by Natalie Goldberg: A creative, free-spirited approach to the writing process.
• Word Painting by Rebecca McClanahan: A brilliant guide to descriptive writing that brings your scenes to life.
• The Chicago Manual of Style: The ultimate resource for grammar, style, and formatting.

And of course, anything by Andy Andrews. (The Traveler’s Gift and The Noticer are must-reads—but I have a soft spot for The Heart Mender.) Andy’s stories don’t just entertain—they leave you thinking. Through unforgettable characters and relatable moments, his books subtly weave in life lessons that stick with you. Whether it’s about the butterfly effect of one decision or the importance of perspective, his work is a great reminder that stories have the power to shape how we see the world—and even ourselves.

The trick to reading isn’t finding time—it’s making time. Commit to at least 15–20 minutes a day, and before you know it, you’ll be hooked, unable to put the book down. Keep a highlighter close or a notebook handy for quotes and ideas that inspire you. And don’t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone—try a new genre, author, or a recommendation from a friend. You might just discover your next favorite book.

Your Story Starts Here

The bottom line? Reading and writing go hand in hand. If you want to grow as a writer, you’ve got to read—not just for fun, but to learn. Each book is a doorway to fresh ideas, new perspectives, and the tools to make your writing better. Whether you’re lost in the pages of a classic novel, scribbling down a great line from a nonfiction gem, or marveling at the beauty of a perfectly crafted poem, you’re becoming a better writer with every page.

So, grab a book (or two), settle in, and let the words inspire your own. Who knows? Someday, your writing might just be the story that inspires someone else to pick up a pen.