LL Cool J was asked in a recent interview “what’s your favorite chill spot?” After pausing for a few moments he rather sheepishly proclaimed “People will hate this answer…I like going to bookstores.”

Rapper LL Cool J (Ladies Love Cool James) apparently likes hip-hopping off to Barnes and Nobles, grabbing a cup of coffee and browsing among the bookshelves.

I have two questions: Why does he think people will hate this answer? And who are these people he’s referring to? Is reading not cool? Are bookstores not happening? Maybe Cool James can change all this. Maybe this answer already has. Now some real ladies (those who can read past second grade level) can start giving him some loving! And both male and female rap fans will be inspired to delve into some of the classics.

What would be an answer ‘they’ would like? What would be a ‘cool’ response? Chilling by a pool, in a bar, at the beach? A night club? The Bingo hall? Do people who enjoy listening to rap music or hip-hop automatically hate reading? I seriously doubt it. I like all kinds of music, including some songs by this artist and other rappers and I’m a book worm, always have been.

I can’t think of a better way to chill than settling down with a good book, be it on the beach, by a pool, in bed, on a porch swing, an airplane, at bookstores with a cup of coffee, at the library! If reading is cool and sexy (and I think it is) then I’m a Diva! I go through at least two books a week. Reading is my favorite pastime. I often visit Barnes and Noble and other bookstores and they seem to be always swarming with people of all ages. So reading must be more popular than we think! Lots of closet readers out there Cool James - you’re not alone!

But let’s put coolness and chilling aside for a moment and talk about books and the immeasurable joys and benefits of reading. Many say J.K Rowling has been instrumental in luring children back to the magic of the written word. Enticing them away from the TV (the glass teat as Stephen King calls it) and offering a glimpse into another world – the realm of enchantment and imagination. I think they’re right. Bravo Rowling!

Watching movies cannot begin to compete with reading a book. Books require some creativity - a reader is forced to use his/her imagination to interpret the written word, to paint the scenes. A movie does all that for you - all that’s required of a viewer is to watch and listen. It’s not as constructive.

Reading is a solitary pursuit, and maybe that’s why it seems intimidating to some. But reading books – fiction and non-fiction alike, stimulates your mind, broadens your knowledge and improves grammar and vocabulary. Some titles could even change the course of your life. Getting lost in a story can certainly take you away from the routine and mundane for a few hours at a time. Reading can cheer you up; salvage your sanity, make your day. You can read in most places, even in prison. It's personal and intimate and can offer moments of joy in the most dire of circumstances. And if you want to be a writer, and a good one, then avid reading is essential.

But look here Cool James if it’s the love of the ladies you’re after as your chosen name suggests, just remember this. Next time you’re out and about look around you; in a café, an airport lounge, waiting room etc. who do you see reading books? That’s right, mostly women. If I may offer a generalization here by suggesting that the gentler sex produces the most ardent readers. And if they enjoy reading I’m sure they’re partial to men who do likewise!

Reading is definitely good for your love life. I’m living proof - I met my husband while searching for a book in a college library. We’ve been together for over 16 years! It was love at first sight across the check out desk! And I still have that book too!

LL Cool J - you got me shook up, shook down, shook out…. I’m not absolutely sure what that means but it sounds good! I love your answer – it’s so very refreshing and I’m sure many other book lovers will agree.

Alison Hill is a featured writer for Xomba.com. Read the rest of her work here .