You can tell a lot about a person just by looking their book collection (or their lack thereof). Too often I've asked people what they like to read and received a blank stare in return, accompanied by the typical line, "I don't read books". Or my personal favorite, "I'd rather watch the movie."

These responses are puzzling to me because reading for entertainment is one of my passions in life. Thomas Jefferson once said, "I cannot live without books". I feel the same way.

In hopes you will pick up a book instead of spending another night binge watching countless episodes on Netflix, I've outlined some of the benefits of reading.

Reading makes you well rounded

The purpose of books is to open our minds to new ideas. Regardless of the genre, when I finish a good book I feel I have learned something new. For instance, reading No Easy Day by Mark Owen and Kris Kyle's American Sniper gave me a new appreciation for those in the armed forces. Reading about the brave men and women who put their lives in harm's way to protect and defend this great country is truly inspiring.

You Gotta Love it Baby!is a must read for any sports fan. Written by former Utah Jazz broadcaster Hot Rod Hundley, this autobiography gives readers a behind the scenes glimpse into the world of broadcasting and the early days of the NBA.

I'm an Apple geek, so I had to pick up Steve Jobsby Walter Isaacson. Jobs' drive and belief that a person should pursue their passions in life is both moving and meaningful. If you own any Apple technology you'll probably enjoy this book.

Reading helps you connect with those around you

If you'd really like to get to know someone try asking about what he or she likes to read.

I've been surprised at what I have had in common with a complete stranger I've met on the train or in the waiting room of the doctor's office; books are a great conversation piece. Reading gives you something to talk about when topics like religion and politics may be off the table.

In today's world of social media, there's a way for bookworms to connect online. Goodreads.com is a website where readers can discuss, rate, review and share books with their friends. (Yes, you can even configure Goodreads to work with your Twitter and Facebook profiles).

Reading is creative

Many who don't read recite the standard line of "Oh I'll just watch the movie" but readers can attest that the book and the movie are not interchangeable. People who've read the book and seen movie are often frustrated with the film because the cinematic adaptation of a beloved character can really miss the mark.

Why do readers say the books are better than the movies? I believe it has everything to do with the power of one's imagination. A well-written book allows you to create mental pictures that are more vibrant, colorful and emotionally moving than anything Hollywood can produce. Plus, reading allows you to escape the worries of life. Whether real or imagined, books let you immerse yourself in someone else's world.

Reading is accessible

In today's fast paced world we have numerous ways to access books. Even if you are miles away from a library, the Amazon Kindle, Apple iPad with the iBooks app, and the Barnes & Noble Nook are a few devices that allow you to conveinently read your books electronically.

iTunes and audible.com offer a variety of professionally narrated audiobooks that can be downloaded onto your computer or mobile device. Many feel that having the book read to them enhances the experience of reading and can even help build your vocabulary.

So, instead of devoting your time to endless games of Candy Crush and similar activities, consider picking up a good book and losing yourself in its pages.

The post 4 reasons you need to squeeze reading into your crazy life schedule appeared first on FamilyToday.

Daisy is a wonderful companion. She never complains about what is being served for dinner, and she's never forced me to go to the fabric store or sit through the movie Pride and Prejudice(both are my kryptonite).

Instead, she'll happily sit beside me as I binge watch Netflix or cheer on my team in a football game, and she's never asked me if I thought she looked fat.

Daisy is my best friend, and she's never said a word to me because Daisy is a golden retriever.

Earlier this year a class of fourth graders at Daybreak Elementary crafted a bill to make the golden retriever the beehive state's domestic animal.

The bill was shot down by the state legislature this past March.

What is it that makes a dog man's best friend, and what lessons can we learn from our four-legged friends?

Show enthusiasm for the people you love

Whenever I walk through the front door, I'm always greeted by a whine. Then a blur of golden fur, (that coats my living room and clothes - don't get me started) as my dog runs circles around me and leans up against me putting all of her weight on my legs and her gentle eyes that can only be described as kind, look up at me.

My dog is just happy to see me. It doesn't matter if I have been gone for five seconds or five hours, I'm always greeted warmly. I can't recall a time when my dog wasn't pleased to see me.

Unlike my dog, I can't say I've always been pleased to see people at my door, like the pushy salesman or shady-looking people who've come to buy an item I had apparently placed on ksl.com when I have no memory of ever posting such a thing (thanks for the practical joke, my brother's friends).

Everyone needs a friend

Dogs aren't as picky when choosing their friends.

We've all had our bad days when the car won't start, the bills pile up, we argue with our families, and to top it all, we're frustrated because the Utah Jazz, once again, have had a mediocre season with a below .500 record. Hey, there's always next year.

But dogs don't have bad days, and they don't hold grudges. Dogs find joy in the simple things in life.

Whenever I grab the mail key, Daisy will bound to the front door, tail wagging and a big doggish smile forming on her face because she simply loves going to get the mail.

She loves going for walks, running at the park, sitting next to me while I read or just being in the same room as the family.

There is always time to think of others

Dogs can teach us about self-less service.

The organization "Canines with a Cause" rescues dogs from kill shelters and trains them to become service animals for veterans suffering from PTSD.

Select women at the Utah State Prison work at training the dogs to become service dogs.

After they're trained, the dogs are paired with a veteran depending on the individual's needs as far as temperament, personality, size and other factors.

Program director Cathy King said, "We're kind of like a dating service between people and dogs getting them setup with their perfect match."

Provide constant support

Webster's Dictionary defines loyal as, "having or showing complete and constant support for someone or something."

Relationships come and go, friends drift further apart through the years (though we still insist on seeing what our friends from high school are up to ten plus years later via Facebook), but it's comforting to know man's best friend is there showing us complete and constant support.

These friendly, loyal, caring companions may never say a word to us, but actions speak louder than words, and we can all learn something from them.

The post My best friend has never said a word to me appeared first on FamilyToday.