Summer is the perfect break to relax and do everything you want to do over the school year but just can’t find the time. Why do so many of us then immediately jump right into our next Netflix show once summer begins?

Admit it, you find plenty of time between studying and socializing to lie down in bed and watch your favorite show for the second or third time. I know I do.

So, maybe instead of staying in bed or on the couch all day staring at your television, it is time that you pick up that dusty book that has been sitting on your bookshelf for so many months and start reading.

Books deserve to be read. You might say that you hate reading and books, but coming from someone who loves to read and write, I know that you just haven’t found a genre that interests and excites you yet.

Your knowledge of books might come solely from the books you were forced to read and write a book reports on. However, there is so much more out there than books that are only assigned because they fit the school’s curriculum.

Pick up something with a cover or title that jumps out at you. Sure, the phrase “don’t judge a book by its over” always applies to books, but you have a higher chance of reading the book if it looks interesting. Don’t listen to those who say it is “cheating” to read the description on the back cover. They are there for a reason.

Try the classics. They are well-known and highly praised even after so many years for a reason. You won’t like them all, but when you find a classic book that you enjoy you feel as though you are being transported back in time by the different language and writing style.

Go to your local library. Read the first page of multiple books, and if it sounds interesting to you, check it out. Check out as many as you want. You never know what hidden gems you will find at the library, and the best part is that it’s always free.

Don’t be intimidated by long books. Seven hundred pages may seem like a lot, but when you get so immersed in the story the chapters will just fly by. These books also have more developed story lines, characters and settings, and they can paint a more detailed picture of what you’re reading.

Bring your book to the beach, to the park or even just outside on your porch. Bring it places that you can’t bring your laptop with you to watch that Netflix show. Reading allows you to have a relaxing day outside of your house with no distractions. All that is around is you, your book and nature.

You never know where a good book will take you. They can spark your imagination, introduce you to whole new places and characters, challenge you and change the way you view the world.

So, this summer I dare you to log off of Netflix and pick up a book, any book, and start reading. Once you start, do not stop. It will be a challenge to step away from your favorite shows, but when you find that book that you won’t want to put down, you won’t turn back.