So many possibilities, so little time.

Strengthen your brain and improve your shelves with books of every kind.

It turns out that there are approximately 136 million unique books in the world at last count, and with new books being published all the time, that number is sure to be higher today.[1]

If you read 4,716 books a day, you might be able to read the many millions throughout your whole life. But, if you can’t read four books a minute, then I guess you’re out of luck.

Fortunately, with that many choices, there are sure to be ones that will be interesting, and ones that won’t, so you can just chuck those like The Secret World of Slugs and Snails: Life in the Very Slow Lane by David George Gordon, which is literally a book about snails and not some catchy metaphor for how we need to slow down in our busy lives.[2] And if that does sound interesting to you, you could probably walk, not run, to your local book store and still find a copy or two.

We’ve all heard that reading is good for you. It’s good for your brain, for concentration, having dedicated focus time, and for eliminating distractions in our busy world. But, science also backs up these claims that your third grade teacher made when trying to get you to read the latest mini novel series for kids.

One study showed researchers how the brain functioned while reading a novel. Participants read a novel over 9 days and as the action and suspense increased in the story, MRI scans showed increased activity over more and more areas of the brain.[3] And with more stimulation of the signals and receptors in your brain, the stronger and more sophisticated the network of connections become.

Also, like something straight out of a comic book, consistent reading also helps develop the ability called “theory of the mind”.[4] This is the fancy name for exercising understanding of the emotions and beliefs of characters you read about. These skills can then help build and maintain real life relationships by using the same understanding for the people around you. Most people can agree these are essential skills to hone, and there might not be a better way to do it (okay, maybe we’re a little biased).

The beauty of having that many books in the world today is that there is bound to be an assortment for every single interest out there. It just takes some figuring out on what you like and don’t like. But for those who already know, consider collecting them. You can find all sorts of treasure out there, whether the world finds it valuable or just you do.

In 1994, Bill Gates purchased The Codex of Leicester, written by Leonardo da Vinci. The manuscript is written on linen and consists of da Vinci’s theories and observations about the world, like the movement of water, fossils, and the moon.[5] Adjusted for inflation today, Gates paid a whopping $54.4 million for the work, and it was his idea to scan some of the illustrations to use as desktop wallpapers for Windows 98 Plus. If da Vinci could only see where his Codex ended up!

Looking to add something interesting or unique to your library like Bill Gates was? Having a rare book or two may inspire you to read more often, and in most cases, it just looks good on your shelf. So, what makes a book rare? We’re glad you asked. Here are just a few things to consider:

Age and Imprint. If you get your hands on a first edition print, it may be rare, but it also might not be. Every book out there has a first edition, and many don’t make it to a second. If you have a first edition of a book that has gained popularity since originally published, you are crossing into the rare territory since most books have a small first print.[6] Age isn’t everything though, as even an old book can lose some rarity if it has flooded the market with copies whether old or new.

Scarcity. It stands to reason that with everything, people want what they can’t find. The same is true with books. The harder it is to find copies, especially older copies or first editions, the higher the ticket price for copies that do exist, and if it’s something people really want, they will do what it takes to get it. Even the difference between hardcover and paperback first editions can be thousands of dollars!

Importance. Value can be placed based on if the book has contributed to society in a meaningful way. Though this may be subjective from person to person, most people would probably agree that Shakespeare’s Macbeth probably contributes more to societies cultural advancement than the book about snails that we mentioned earlier, and therefore has more appeal to readers and increases demand.

Condition. Not surprisingly, a book that has no stains, water damage, or ripped binding or pages is worth much more than a book that hasn’t stood the test of time too well. Binding, page condition, and general wear are all considered when looking at the overall condition of a book as it’s being rated as rare and valuable. It’s not surprising to see books stored in glass cases or sleeves to keep even the room temperature and air conditions off the delicate pages and binding of old books.

So, now that you’ve got that rare and valuable book, even if it’s valuable only to you, it’s time to train your brain. Studies have found that people who read regularly, even starting at a young age, gradually develop a larger vocabulary which can help with school and career success, as well as an increase in “soft” skills like effective communication, which are highly sought after.[7]

Creating a space dedicated to the activity can also help your mind to focus on what you’re reading rather than any other distractions. Whether it’s behind a closed door, or your favorite comfy chair next to some good light, your mind and body will be able to settle into a beautiful book that will benefit both you and the quality of your library.

Though most of us don’t have the desire to spend millions of dollars on one single book or go hunting for first editions of classics, there are several places and formats to access books today that makes reading easier than ever before. Whether a hard copy or digital, having literature at your fingertips is a great way to activate your brain anywhere you go. With today’s access to online libraries and books, you can leave that rare copy safely at home, and read the story anywhere you go.

Happy reading!

[1] https://mybookcave.com/how-long-would-it-take-to-read-every-book-in-the-world/

[2] https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/9717438-the-secret-world-of-slugs-and-snails

[3] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#strengthens-the-brain

[4] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#increases-empathy

[5] https://www.workandmoney.com/s/most-expensive-books-ever-8b079afbcaf340e9#:~:text=Leonardo%20da%20Vinci’s%20Codex%20of,the%20luminosity%20of%20the%20moon.

[6] https://www.sothebys.com/en/articles/10-things-that-make-books-valuable

[7] https://www.healthline.com/health/benefits-of-reading-books#builds-vocabulary