Reading literally changes lives, according to a new study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Researchers say literary characters can have a sizable impact on how we think and act. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, of course. If you’re reading To Kill a Mockingbird, for instance, you might emulate Atticus Finch and find yourself caring more for social justice; but not all characters are particularly good influences. “Think of American Psycho,” study author Geoff Kaufman (a post-doctoral researcher at Dartmouth College) says. “The character is very likable and charismatic, but he’s a serial killer. To the extent that you connect with him, you may try to understand or justify the actions he’s committing.” (MSNBC)