Reading immersive fiction physically reshapes your brain and strengthens neural connectivity.

A landmark 2013 study at Emory University used functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to track brain changes in students reading Robert Harris's novel "Pompeii." Led by neuroscientist Gregory Berns, the research team discovered that immersive reading significantly increased connectivity in the left temporal cortex, the region responsible for language processing and comprehension.The study also revealed heightened activity in the primary sensorimotor region of the brain. This finding suggests that the brain physically simulates the actions and sensations described in the narrative—a process called "grounded cognition." Remarkably, the brain struggles to distinguish between reading about an action and actually performing it.These neurological changes extended beyond the reading sessions themselves. Researchers observed that increased brain connectivity persisted for at least five days after participants completed the book, indicating that fiction reading can strengthen the brain's flexibility and creative capacity over time.Additional research from the University of Toronto shows that regular fiction readers score higher on empathy and social intelligence tests. By engaging with complex fictional worlds and characters, readers exercise "Theory of Mind"—the cognitive ability to understand others' perspectives and mental states. This makes fiction a powerful tool for both cognitive development and emotional growth.