A recent study shows that college students who read, write better. And it matters what you read. The research shows least benefits for the ones who only read web-based content. The real benefits come from what’s called “deep reading”. Deep reading occurs when the language is rich in details, allusion, and metaphor as in novels. Deep reading exercises the brain and it has been shown to increase empathy. The research also shows that “light reading” of web-based content lacks a genuine voice, a viewpoint, or the sort of analyses that stimulates thought. In other words: Books are good for you!