A recent essay on Above the Law offers a simple prescription for legal professionals: when you have the time and energy, pick up a book again. The author argues that reading does not require a detailed strategy or a curated list—just the act of turning to the next page is enough. This is a notable departure from the usual law-and-policy content, which tends to focus on case analysis, regulatory updates, or practice management.
The piece speaks directly to the reading burden that lawyers carry. Much of their daily reading is instrumental: briefs, statutes, and emails, all read for a purpose. The essay suggests that rediscovering reading as a leisure activity can restore a sense of joy and mental space, without adding another obligation. It explicitly releases readers from the need to plan, which may resonate with professionals who already operate under tight schedules.
Because this is a single opinion piece, there is no counterpoint to weigh. The argument is straightforward and self-contained. Its placement on a legal blog implies that the intended audience is the legal community, but the advice is universal. The essay does not offer data or case studies; it is a gentle nudge rather than a policy proposal. Still, for lawyers who have let recreational reading slide, the message is clear: start with the next page, and let the habit rebuild itself.