Often when we read, we absorb a lot more than we think we do. Of course, if you are reading a cookbook or self-help book, you are reading with the intention of learning. We also learn things from our favorite books that we don’t expect to. Someone may learn a cool party trick, a neat piece of trivia, or something about themselves they didn’t know existed. A few of us here at Bookstr have put together our favorite things that we’ve learned while engaging in our favorite pass time.
Becoming Bulletproof: Life Lessons from a Secret Service Agent by Evy Poumpouras
I learned a lot of things from this book. I started putting a little scarf or scrap of fabric over my wallet in my purse, as the book suggested. It actually worked when I was out. Someone had the scarf in his hand when I went to put my phone back in my purse, and he looked kinda confused when he said, “I think you dropped this.”
Also, there are a lot of travel safety tips in the book. When I was in Puerto Rico, I joined a group of girls who looked like they were coming from the beach like me so I could cross the street safely. There aren’t a lot of stop signs on some of the streets in Puerto Rico, even if it’s a pretty good neighborhood. I don’t have a “bulletproof movie” — a movie that makes you feel stronger physically and mentally — just yet. I have an entire bulletproof motivational inspirational music playlist as my twist on one “bulletproof song” that makes me feel empowered. Sometimes, I listen to it when I work out.
Christina Hardesty, Graphics
Picking Up Random Knowledge
I love trivia facts, so when I see one in a book, I instantly look it up to verify that it’s legit. If it is, it gets added to kernels of knowledge I store away and bring out randomly. This also comes in handy when playing trivia games, which we often do as a family.
Kristi Eskew, Editorial
Tactics to Seduce and Manipulate Men
If you are a romance reader, I know for a fact you are absorbing all the goodness that comes with romance content. Not only is it a deliciously enjoyable read, but it has transformed my skill level (if you catch my drift) and helped me find my voice in the presence of a man. There is a certain confidence you obtain when you become a romance reader; it infiltrates your subconscious and becomes your entire personality.
I will actively compare real-life scenarios with scenes in books to figure out how to approach the situation. Whether that’s insane or not, female romance authors get a big thank you from me. Men are finally catching on that if their girlfriend or partner is an avid reader, they are 1.) in for the time of their life and 2.) probably being actively manipulated. We know what we’re doing and were not sorry about it one bit! It’s our time to shine.
Olivia Salamone, Editorial
Basic Criminal Profiling, Mindhunter by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker
In this fascinating memoir about FBI criminal profiler John Douglas and his work in the FBI unit that inspired shows like Criminal Minds, Douglas recounts interviewing serial killers to better understand why they committed their crimes. I learned the difference between MO and signature, organized versus disorganized killers, and general tips on staying safe.
The book has some great insight into reading people and evaluating the safety of situations, as well as the complexities of detective work. I am not a trained professional by any means, and everything I’ve implemented in my own life after reading Mindhunter is from an amateur perspective. As someone interested in psychology and investigations, this book helped me better understand the people around me through the best and worst of humanity.
Cara Hadden, Editorial
Things About My Own Mental Health
I’ve been on a wild ride these last three years with my mental health. Specifically with anxiety. Like any other mental health problem, I’ve had my ups and downs. One thing that always makes me feel a little better is reading. I’ve found it can be really important for me to keep my mind occupied when I am feeling this way, and reading is a great way to do this.
I find myself becoming invested in whatever book I’m reading and its characters and I forget for a while my struggles. I also find that when I stop, I continue thinking about the book, and this helps keep my mind occupied as well. I also tend to self-isolate when my mental health is poor, but if I’m feeling lonely at 10 pm, reading can help me feel less alone. Especially when I finish a book and can then go online and find a whole community of people who love a book or series as much as I do.
Kaley Johnson, Editorial
Have you learned anything from your favorite books that has stuck with you? Let us know!
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