Next Chapter independent Wanaka bookstore owners Sally Battson and Jenny Ainge firmly believe one of the joys and rewards of reading is the means of escape it offers.

“In today’s fast paced, often stressful world we are constantly seeking ways to unwind and disconnect from our busy lives,” says Sally. “The solution often lies in the pages of a book where reading transports us into different worlds, expands our knowledge and helps us relax thereby improving our emotional wellbeing.”

She says studies show reading can strengthen the brain and enhance imagination and creativity and even lengthen a person’s life. 

“Books also add richness and depth to the reader’s understanding of life and people and there is the added benefit of improving vocabulary and encouraging empathy – and that’s apart from the mere entertainment value.”

“Reading is so much more than a way to fill in time. It’s a tool for personal and emotional growth and intellectual expansion,” says Sally. “It provides a sense of accomplishment and invites people into new places and ways of thinking. There is nothing better than curling up in front of the fire in winter and allowing an adventurous novel or a thought provoking non-fiction work or even a book of poems to help you escape.”

“Books don’t just go with you. They take you where you’ve never been.”

Unlocking Reading Rewards

The rewards of reading can be unlocked by building a relationship with Next Chapter, according to co-owner Jenny Ainge.

“We have experienced and knowledgeable staff who are able to help match readers with the types of books they like to read. They can also help if people are in a reading slump and need to reignite their love of reading by discovering new genres and authors. Whether you are a lifelong book lover or someone just starting to discover the joy of reading it is always exciting to open the first page of a book and let it take you on a journey.”

She says visitors to Wanaka are encouraged to call in at Next Chapter where everyone loves talking books and hearing other’s recommendations.

“We also have fiction and non-fiction book clubs, classics and poetry and regular author events which our local readers queue up for.”

• Next Chapter picks to overcome a reading slump
• Giovanni’s Room                        James Baldwin
• The Midnight Library                 Matt Haig
• Before the Coffee Gets Cold        Toshikazu Kawaguchi
• Sorrow & Bliss                           Meg Mason
• All The Colours of the Dark         Chris Whitaker
• The Dictionary of Lost Words      Pip Williams
• Still Life                                      Sarah Winman
• Titles the Next Chapter team are reading this winter
• The Book of Guilt                        Catherine Chidgey
• The Emperor of Gladness            Ocean Vuong
• Air                                            John Boyne
• My Friends                                 Fredrik Backman
• Atmosphere                               Taylor Jenkins Reid
• A Different Kind of Power           Jacinda Ardern