Reading can be stimulating, and we should never take our literacy for granted and the lessons books can teach us. Reserving just a fraction of time spent on our cell phones would mean time for reading and there’s a lot more substance in a book (any book... even Twilight) than there is on social media. Books connect you to other people and new ideas; they expand your mind and take you into another world.

Here are five books that can ease you back into the joy of reading: they’re light on language but do not skimp on value.

1) The Alchemist (163 pages)

It’s been translated into over 67 languages and is an international best-seller. This book fell onto my lap in an almost magical way and it is one book I’ve been able to re-read multiple times (a rare occasion). Every other sentence in this book is an inspirational quote you’d want to hang up on your wall.

“And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

2) The Things They Carried (273 pages)

This is a collection of short stories from the Vietnam War that will weigh heavily on your mind with beautiful language to convey the many aspects of war in a broad emotional spectrum. The stories give you a new understanding of the importance of storytelling as a way to deal with the traumatic and impactful experiences of war.

“I want you to feel what I felt. I want you to know why story-truth is truer sometimes than happening-truth.”

3) Slaughterhouse-Five (288 pages)

Vonnegut is raw. His messages are abstract but are interwoven through playful writing and humor. He uses satire to speak on harsh topics of war, morality, and life in general. He’ll make you laugh while simultaneously making you sick to your stomach and think deeper about things that probably haven't ever crossed your mind before.

“So it goes.”

4) The Hobbit (365 pages)

Tolkien’s writing is so good it inspired rock gods like Led Zeppelin in their songwriting. The Hobbit will teach you everything you need to know about adventure, and without realizing it, it will teach you about faith too.

“May the wind under your wings bear you where the sun sails and the moon walks.”

5) The Old Man and the Sea (127 pages)

In Hemingway’s final novel we find a tale of perseverance, courage, and hard work; the keys to leaving behind a fulfilled life. An appropriate read for a day at the beach, this simple story is powerful and entertaining.

“Let him think that I am more man than I am and I will be so.”