I love to read. I always have.

However, when I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, reading took on a new meaning. It was an escape from pain, taking me outside (of myself) to visit other places, people and events. This was especially important when I didn't have the energy to physically get out and do the things I would have liked to do.

You can read about how reading helps with stress on Treasure Your Pleasure Reading.

Call me old-fashioned, but I love books - having them, looking at them, holding them and reading them. Even though an e-reader is easier on the hands, I still prefer the paperback version.

As it turns out, research is showing that your brain works differently when you read on paper than when you stare at your electronic device. 'Fess up! You know you don't blink that much when you read on the screen!

There's a physicality to reading a book that enhances cognitive processes. The fact that there is a weight and smell of a book makes it a more sensory experience. Corners, a left and right side all help to orient your place in the book. The act of turning pages and orienting oneself to the text serves to form a mental map of the text.

For example, I'll bet you are often able to recall the location of the information - first third of the book, bottom right side of the page. I know I am always surprised when I'm able to find the information I need or want.

In The Reading Brain in the Digital Age: The Science of Paper Versus Screens, Anne Mangen from The University of Stavanger in Norway had this to say:

"The ease with which you can find out the beginning, end and everything in between and the constant connection to your path, your progress in the text, might be some way of making it less taxing cognitively, so you have more free capacity for comprehension."

The article does conclude by wondering if, over time, attitudes will adjust and improvements to technology will change the way one reads and comprehends text.

In the meantime, my preferred method to read is with a book in hand and a cup of tea or coffee at my side. So brew up that cuppa and review your book wish list, as by entering this giveaway you might be one read closer to that book you've been after!

I wrote about the neck-saving drawers at the delightful The Book Man shops in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Well, today's $15.00 gift certificate giveaway comes courtesy of The Book Man. If you can't get to them, they do provide shipping. However, it's worth carving time out of your day to make the trip to either or both of The Book Man locations. This is a place with plenty of atmosphere, friendly staff, and let's not forget those great drawers - in the store!

Here’s how to enter:

1. To enter the giveaway, complete the following sentence: Books are______________________________.
   
2. Entries must be received by midnight PST on Monday, September 30th, 2013.
3. For extra entries to the draw, let’s get social:
   - On Twitter share the following: I just entered a #giveaway from @AuntieStress for a gift certificate for @ZeBookMan. Enter here: http://wp.me/p1OifR-1Op.
   - On Pinterest share a comment or re-pin the giveaway on my "Giveaways" board.
4. One winning entrant will be drawn from a hat. You will be notified via email. Your name will appear here, on Twitter and on Pinterest.