For example, last night I was reading The Golden Skull by Rebecca Smythe, and when Watson jumps overboard to avoid the whirlpool, I could smell the salty sea air and feel the icy slap of the ocean.

To really enjoy a story, I have to do some work to create the characters and setting.

In contrast, when I play video games, no matter how much fun I have, I never find myself imagining new characters or places.

Yet, this “work” feels more like play because I find it energizing to let my imagination create new worlds.

Since the game developers do the work of creating new landscapes and experiences, my brain feels lazy as I consume something without creating anything.

Adding my experiences and thoughts is part of the magic that makes reading a more pleasurable experience.

Of course, my grey matter needs to chill out and blasts space aliens every once in a while, but if given a choice between a sticky controller or a feathery page, I will choose a book every time.