I’m rather fascinated by a new study from the University of Buffalo that finds that readers on fantasies like Twilight and Harry Potter really get into what they are reading.  The study found that through reading, psychologically people became part of the world they were reading about and also derived emotional benefits from it. 

Readers all know that we become emotionally involved in books, that if it’s a great read, part of us lingers in that world calling us to return to the book.  It’s why books can be impossible to put down. 

While we don’t become the characters, we do get to experience their world through their eyes.  It’s powerful and for those of us who can’t stop reading, an important piece of our emotional landscape. 

Interestingly, the report found that just like with our real life friends, we shift our behavior to fit in with our book character friends as well. 

So is this something you believe to be true?  Are you a reader who becomes what you read?

Thanks to LISNews for the link.