True to all aspects of life, theatre, political speeches, concerts and of course reading. Personally, I will always remember every detail of my favourite books but having read hundreds of books the one thing I can always remember is how each book made me feel.

Almost a decade ago, whilst doing my English A Level, I discovered the Gothic period. The obligatory 4 set texts were delightedly consumed and quickly developed my new addiction to this genre. The variety of Gothic novels is overwhelmingly wonderful, a literature that is not limited by time or theme but lends itself to the passionate reader. This has created some of the greatest pieces of literature and inspired an 18 year old to consume book after book, lapping up all the gothic master pieces from Frankenstein to The Picture of Dorian Gray to Wide Sargasso Sea to Rebecca (one of my favourite books of all time.)

The feeling I had during these novels is unexplainable, a connection, imagination gone wild, and they undoubtedly shaped me and my inquisitive thought process. Six years later I may not remember every storyline, character or plot development but I do remember how I felt whilst reading them, transported to an alternative world. The Gothic has shocked, repulsed, saddened and thrilled me. There is truly something for everyone in this genre, a genre that is crying out to provoke an assortment of contradictory reactions. Great fiction should cause this outburst of emotions, however, I believe that every written word has an effect on us, big or small, and on our lives.

We are surrounded by information. From every article, blog or book we read we may not remember every piece of information, every statistic but we do remember how we feel.

Reading improves brain connectivity, it is a mind stimulant. We become engaged with the world around us. Far from distancing ourselves from reality we react to the words in front of us, questioning and analysing them. This stimulant helps us not only to process this information but invites us to become involved, to shape our own opinions and ideas. Embrace the feelings evoked by the written word, fiction or not. This involvement can spark action. This is fundamental for development. It provokes change, evolution, independent thought and ultimately IMPROVEMENT.

When information is shared, and engaged with, on a global level, it brings with it a collective consciousness. Innovation, ideas and projects are in reach, they are merely a few words away.

The importance of feeling cannot therefore be underestimated, reading WILL help you “be the change you want to see in the world.”