Reading is a fundamental skill that accompanies us throughout life, allowing us to explore fantastic worlds, acquire new knowledge and enrich our minds. As Carl Sagan once said: "Books are proof that men can create magic." And "Once you learn to read, you are forever free." (Frederick Douglass)

Reading Day, which falls on 24 March, is a key occasion to promote the culture of reading and raise awareness of the importance of literacy. 

Established by decree of the President of the Council of Ministers on 15 July 2009, the Day has the function of raising awareness among all citizens, and especially the younger generations, on the importance of reading. An activity that in our country, unfortunately, does not record positive trends, although there seems to be a slight improvement in recent years.
Young people in general read more, and young women represent, by far, the public most devoted to reading: over 60% have read at least one book in the year.

The event on 24 March is of significant value, as reading stimulates the mind, improves language and cognitive skills, develops empathy and fosters intercultural understanding, stimulates the imagination, and enables personal development.

The previous day is similarly World Book and Copyright Day, also known as Book and Rose Day, an event organised by UNESCO to promote reading, book publishing and the protection of intellectual property through copyright. Firstly, on 23 April 1616 three protagonists of world literature such as Shakespeare, Cervantes and de la Vega died; secondly, they wanted to commemorate a very similar event that had been celebrated in Spain for several years. In Catalonia, in fact, a Day dedicated to books had already been celebrated since the early 20th century: a real tradition coinciding with the day dedicated to Saint George, patron saint of Catalonia and associated with the custom of giving women bouquets of roses.

On 23 and 24 March, cultural events, public readings, meetings with authors and many other activities are organised to involve the community in the celebration of reading and culture.

HOW TO READ? 

Adler shows us several steps to follow: 

The first level is elementary reading, the starting point where we learn to decipher words. a first taste of this magic.

The second level is exploratory reading, which allows us to navigate between the pages of a book in a more strategic way.

With analytical reading we go deep into the heart of the text, with critical and curious eyes.
As Albert Einstein said, "The mind that opens itself to a new idea will never return to its original size."

Finally, the most advanced level is syntopic reading, allowing us to connect the dots and discover hidden connections between different texts and authors.

This approach allows us to broaden our understanding of a given topic by exploring different perspectives and analysing the arguments of different authors.

In addition to the different levels of reading, it is also important to explore the various literary genres that enrich the landscape of writing. From prose to poetry to drama, each genre has its own distinctive characteristics and offers the reader unique experiences. We can immerse ourselves in fantastical worlds with fantasy novels, explore the depths of the human soul with lyrical poetry, or experience thrilling adventures with plays.

WHY READ?

Reading remains a timeless activity, albeit in an age dominated by new forms of entertainment and information. Nevertheless, it is important to examine why devoting time to reading books remains an essential practice. This question raises in-depth considerations and reflections on how books, particularly the classics, maintain their continued relevance and offer lasting benefits for those who read them.
The importance of the classics emerged in the context of a debate held at the University of Bologna, where figures such as Umberto Eco and Massimo Cacciari discussed their significant survival over time. According to Italo Calvino, a classic is much more than just a book: it is a work that continues to communicate profound and universal messages, capable of transcending temporal and cultural boundaries. These books offer new perspectives and interpretations with each reading, keeping their essence alive and constantly renewing themselves for future generations.

There are multiple benefits of reading: the improvement of emotional intelligence, the acquisition of social and cognitive skills, and the enhancement of creativity. Reading promotes the development of skills such as concentration, visualisation, and problem solving. An Emory University study showed that reading a novel can even positively influence the brain's neural connectivity, enhancing empathy and imagination.

BETWEEN REAL AND UNREAL; ATTENTION TO SOURCES

Reading is also an opportunity to explore deep themes and examine moral and ethical issues that help us better understand ourselves and the world around us. it offers us a lens through which to examine the complexity of human nature and encourages us to reflect on our actions and beliefs.

When dealing with ethical, moral and scientific issues, the source from which we draw becomes crucial. We never refer to just one source, but to a large number.  We must be able to trust what we read, knowing that it is the result of careful research and based on reliable data. Only then can we form informed opinions and contribute to the public debate in a constructive manner.

Despite the importance of staying grounded in reality, there are times when it is nice to take a break from the monotony of everyday life and allow oneself to be transported into fantastic and unreal worlds. Ghost stories, fantasy epics and space travel stories allow us to escape from reality for a while and daydream. fantastic and unreal, they allow us to escape from reality and immerse ourselves in worlds of pure magic and wonder. They allow us to live alternative lives, to experience emotions that we would otherwise never know. 
However, it is important not to abuse this escape from reality. While fantasy worlds can offer moments of comfort and relief from the stresses of everyday life, it is essential to remember that the beauty of life also lies in its reality, otherwise we risk forgetting the wonder and importance of earthly life.
In short, reading excites, educates and entertains us. It opens our minds to new ideas and brings us closer to others. But we must always be aware of the reliability of sources and maintain a balance between the fantastic and the real. Only then can we fully enjoy all that reading has to offer.

Reading is an exciting journey that takes us into fantastic worlds and allows us to experience an infinite range of emotions (from pleasure to sadness, from joy to fear...) . It envelops us in a warm embrace, draws us into epic adventures and lets us explore faraway lands, all while we remain comfortably seated. But there is more: reading teaches us, guides us and inspires us.
Diving into the pages of a book is like opening a door to a world of endless excitement and adventure. Reading is not just a pastime, but a journey through eternal worlds and different realities that allow us to explore the infinite variety of human experience.

In conclusion, reading is much more than a simple act of decoding words: it is a journey that enriches, inspires and transforms us. It is an experience that embraces the heart, mind and soul, taking us to faraway places and times gone by. As Jorge Luis Borges said, "Reading is an art, and every encounter with a book is an opportunity to learn and grow."