There was a time before the mass induction of media into our lives where people obtained their information from reading. 
Whether it be the newspaper, a historical novel, biography or religious book, people filled their minds in a constructive way. What do I mean by constructive? Studies over the last number of years have shown that the brain is very active while reading, utilizing a both right and left hemispheres, and engaging the prefrontal cortex. Conversely while consuming media such as video games or passively watching TV or a movie, the brain activity is next to zero. Information bypasses the prefrontal cortex and is processed and stored in the limbic system of the brain (the back of the brain). I realize there is a time and place for media and that with proper intake, it can be constructive, informative and even beneficial. However I want to promote that we get back to activity that is educational, entertaining, and can be spiritually life changing. Reading. I would also like to promote reading for the purpose of learning and growing. There are many harmful books, books that offer no positive benefit to us. I grew up not enjoying reading. It felt like it was a chore. It wasn’t until about 12 years ago that something clicked and I really got hooked on this incredible way to obtain and process information. 
Not only was I learning new things through what I read, but I was gaining confidence. My education was continuing through the books I read in which in which built a platform for me to have a wide range of conversations with many different people, therefore establishing a connection or relationship with them. You might say that you can learn about different things by watching the History Channel or Discovery, which you are right, however remember that mind is only passively engaged in the information being shown. It is not critically thinking about what is being broadcasted. Reading is one of the main ways we connect with God. BAM! We can listen to the Bible (which I have done in the past and is a great way to digest the Word), but there is something about sitting down and pouring over the scriptures right in front you. There is something humbling, inspireing, and empowering about reading a section of verses, flipping over to another portion of Bible and comparing what you just read and realizing that it is all is cohesive and speaks directly to you!
“The Bible is God’s voice speaking to us, just as surely as though we could hear it with our ears. If we realized this, with what awe would we open God’s word, and with what earnestness would we search its precepts! The reading and contemplation of the Scriptures would be regarded as an audience with the Infinite One.” T., v. 6, p. 393. Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. Psalms 119:11
While the time we have left on this Earth, time of freedom, we should be taking moments and storing the Word of God in our hearts. Not only do we gain the benefit of mental excersies by memorization but we strengthing our trust and relationship with Christ. Additionally by studying scripture we are fortifying against the enemy of souls. Just like Jesus in the wilderness, we will be given mental agility with the aid of the Holy Spirit to counter any temptations the devil throws our way!
And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.But he answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of God. Matthew 4:3-4
Below are a list of books that I recommend. Some are not for everyone and some are. What appeals to me may not appeal to someone else, nevertheless I’m listing them if reading is lost idea to some and are in need of suggestions. I broke them into categories and the order they are in isn’t indicative of their importance. Social Commentary:
Health
Religious
Business/Personal Development
