One More Chapter

Author: nboyd29

  • Benefits of Reading

    Undoubtedly, there are many lost arts in the world. These lost arts include and are not limited to sewing, homemade cooking, cursive writing, storytelling and so many more. How would you feel if I told you that reading is on the road to becoming another great lost art of this world?! If you’re a book lover like me, you may be wondering, “How can this be? Without reading we lose the art of knowledge, communication and creativity.” And on that note you are absolutely right, but unfortunately many people don’t see the point of having to read anymore. It’s becoming outdated and people are becoming lazy (not us, of course). However, with that being said I’ve decided to take it upon myself to provide what knowledge I can about why you should continue reading or if you haven’t already, start reading.

    BRAIN FOOD

    I’m sure we’re all no strangers to the saying “food feeds the stomach, whereas literature feeds the brain”. However, if you are a stranger to such, that’s good because I made it up. Regardless, such a saying is proved to be credible. From a young age, most if not all of us are taught to read and write. The first time we start reading, multiple regions of our brain are activated. These regions are the frontal lobe, angular and supramarginal gyrus as well as the temporal lobe. 

    The listed regions are actually in charge of understanding grammar and speech production (I’m sure you understand why that’s significant). The left hemisphere of the region is the one that is crazy active along with white pattern pathways. White pattern pathways are undoubtedly important when it comes to reading. Such patterns in the brain connect the parts of the brain that process language and visual information making them meaningful. 

    Now, you might be wondering, what does all this mean? Why should I care? Well, I’m happy you asked. Beginning and continuing to read stimulates these pathways. It also enhances your brain activity. This strengthens your brain. Almost exactly like a workout…. but for your brain. So, if you’re a person that enjoys going to the gym, now you can enjoy picking up a book.

    Benefits for Memory and Cognitive Function

    As we get older our bodily functions may begin to…degenerate (for lack of better words). Just like our bodies, our brains start to decline. However, consistently reading from youth to mature age prevents this cognitive decline. Such keeps our minds razor-sharp. Keeping the mind sharp includes strengthening our memory. When you read, not only are you obtaining information, you are also increasing your brain activity. This goes hand in hand with increasing lack of memory loss and cognitive function. 

    Now that you know the few benefits of reading, you may take pride in continuing to do such. Regardless of what you’re reading, your brain benefits. With that being said, you’re welcome!       

  • 4 Psychology Books That’ll Make You Rethink Life

    Books set to explore the human mind reveal that of what a simple mind could never think of. How we as humans operate, in terms of emotions, decision making and even how we develop our opinions is fascinating. The way in which we operate is pure insanity (that we often boast as based on logic, how comical).  The door that opens when discovering the human psyche is far from what one can expect. Our brains are not as tidy and organized as we like to believe. With the books, perhaps we can tip into an understanding of why that may be in certain situations.


    EVIL by JULIA SHAW

    “The Science Behind Humanity’s Darkside” is as intriguing as its title. Have you ever watched a movie where there was a distinct villain, however you couldn’t tell exactly what it was that made them “the bad guy”. After watching the movie you felt as though the villains actions made sense from their point of view. Well, if such has ever intrigued you, you’ll love this book. EVIL blurs between the gray area, not being able to fit in the black and white of good and bad. 

    Reading such a book will challenge what exactly you believe to be evil. If a person steals food to feed their family, are they as evil as society says? From a scientific point of view Julia Shaw steps into a world of what we label as evil and why, all pulling the reader along with her. 

    Upstream by DAN HEATH

    Ever made a mistake that left you wishing you made a different decision in the past? Well, Upstream: How to Solve Problems Before They Happen may be the solution to problems yet to come. In this book we discover the art of becoming and staying prepared. Not allowing a problem to become continuous and normal is one of the main points of the book. 

    Dan makes it known that prevention works admittedly better than reaction. Shifting the mindset to not be overactive is another main point and key goal when halting the creation of negative circumstances. Sick of having life throw you one problem after another? After you’re done with this read you’ll be able to face problems that haven’t even happened yet! 

    How To Talk to Anyone by LEIL LOWNDES

    Talking to people is not easy. Trust me, I would know, I got a job that allows me to type behind a screen all day for that reason (Love my job though)! Regardless, having to talk to others is inevitable. You will always have to interact with other people in some way, shape or form. Instead of dreading having to do so (as I), you have the opportunity to become a master at such in just a few pages. How To Talk To Anyone by Leil Lowndes offers insights on how to communicate effectively with anyone you come across with just 92 techniques.

    The book focuses on connecting to others and teaches you that in doing so, conversation will come easier. Lowndes is not only an author, but also  directly teaches people how to communicate. With that being said, you could say her word is as good as gold (see what I did there?) Pick up this book today and learn how to talk to others in 92 steps.

    The Psychology of Money by MORGAN HOUSEL

    As important as money is, it is hard to come by and even harder to use appropriately. Have you ever bought something you wanted over something you needed? Or perhaps spent money unnecessarily just because it was on sale? Yea…me too. Well with this book you’ll see that our behavior with money is significant when making financial decisions. Even more so, you’ll learn that with financial literacy, you can mold your behavior to that of one that is more  financially responsible.

    First you must understand why you make the decisions you do when it comes to money. Whether your decisions are believed to be good or bad, understanding the why is important when trying to make better decisions. Pride, ego, marketing influences are all possible reasons as to why you spend your money the way you do. With The Psychology of Money, learn to navigate your funds, your way.

    With these four psychology books, may you rethink our humanly behaviors. Questions of why we behave the way we do with money, communication, problem solving and in terms of committing evil may very well be answered in these books. Perhaps after reading you’ll have even more questions. May such books not only assist you in understanding yourself and others but encourage you to continue how we as humans operate.

  • Top 5 New February Book Releases You Can’t Miss in 2026

    Scrolling for hours to find your next read can be so tiring and not knowing the genre you want to read makes it even worse! Fortunately, with One More Chapter you’re offered a plethora of new reads of 2026 with welcoming genres for you to discover. Expand your reading lists with this helpful guide into the top 5 books being released this February. Ranging from grim tales, queer romance, and adventure to civil rights and mystery, this guide offers unique books to kick off your new year. 

    New Horror Book of February 2026: The Lamb by Lucy Rose (February 4th)

    For all my horror lovers The Lamb is a book that you can’t pass up. The folk horror novel that takes place in a fragmented cottage. It features a young girl by the name of Margret who is forced to live a strange and inhumane life at the hands of her mother (we’ve all been there, right?). Coerced into living in a dark and self-sufficient world, Margret learns to adapt. However, beyond the horror and violence The Lamb manages to capture the beauty of motherhood, queer romance, and the confusion of adolescence all at once.

    Told from Margret’s point of view, the novel dives into the story of her having to choose between whether or not she will continue with the life of human consumption. Raised to lure people into their home as prey, an unsuspecting victim flips Margret’s world upside down. The Lamb demonstrates the raw beauty of hunger and questions how far one will go to sustain it. When choosing your next grim read, you’ll be starving for one more chapter.

    New Romance Book of February 2026: Peaches and Pucks by M.A. Wardell (February 3rd)

    If you loved Heated Rivalry, then you are going to devour Peaches and Pucks. This rivalry is between P.E. teacher Darius and English teacher Harry. Forced to chaperone the school’s boys hockey trip together, both teachers are forced to interact with one another despite Harry’s dislike of Darius. However, this forced interaction only adds chemistry to this English and P.E. teachers’ lives (see what I did there?).

    As the trip unfolds, the tension between the two builds. Their attraction to one another becomes too obvious to ignore. This is the kind of love you can find both on and off the ice. Good luck leaving the cottage in 2026!

    Worse Than A Lie by Ben Crump (February 17)

    This book is an important read to learn about Civil Rights and racial injustice. Worse Than a Lie is centered around the murder of a black man. This fiction novel seeks to enact justice and uncover the truth behind the systematic obstacles people of color face, along with the lies they’ve been forced to endure from public officials. 

    As the case unfolds, questions of corruption and foul play come into light. How will justice be rightfully served? Who will be held responsible? Such questions leave a community burdened with answers and wondering how many more. This powerful novel comes from Ben Crump, who is a real-life civil rights attorney with years of experience, making it all the much more impactful. 

    New Adventure Book of February 2026: The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (February 17th)

    For all my book lovers who used books as an escape in their youth, The Astral Library is the new escape for you! Never truly feeling loved in the foster care system left our main protagonist Alix using books as a way to escape. One day, while at the library, she finds a secret door leading to a hidden world. In this world, The Astral Library, you can jump into whatever book you please and live a new life altogether! 

    However, as Alix continues exploring this new world of possibilities, she’s forced to face a dangerous enemy that threatens to destroy her new way of life. The danger adds a new story to her life because it’s never just one more chapter.

    New Mystery Book of February 2026: How To Kill a Guy in Ten Dates by Shailee Thompson (February 3rd) 

    Friend forced you to go to a speed dating event? Yea I’ve been there and done that. Well, when attending this event did you ever have to solve a murder mystery?! Didn’t think so. In this read you’ll see that being single isn’t so bad.

    In a blackout Jamie discovers that her date has been murdered. Only left with an understanding of horror and romance genres, Jamie has no choice but to use them to survive. Worst date ever.  

    Content Warning: Murder

    New books are just a page away with this guide of up to date reads just for you. Get started on your new reading journey with just a few clicks. New book updates are within reach every month. The top 5 new books of February are waiting to be read by you. Because it’s never just one more chapter and if you’re lucky, we’ll see you in March!