Me and Books

Me and Books

Reading has always been a significant part of my life, especially during my childhood. I have vivid memories of going to Barnes & Noble almost every Thursday with my dad and older sister. My dad would take time off work to bring cupcakes to my second-grade class and read to us ,a tradition that made reading feel special and personal. My older sister, on the other hand, was an incredibly fast reader, tearing through 50 books in a week and collecting them like treasures. I always tried to keep up with her, but her pace was unmatched.

Growing up, we were surrounded by books. One of the most magical experiences of my childhood was the school book fairs. Even now, I can still recall the crisp fall air as I walked up to the school gym and the distinct, fresh scent of new books filling the room. It was the highlight of the school year, something I deeply miss.

My elementary school emphasized the joy of reading, organizing reading contests, celebrating Dr. Seuss Week, and hosting library days. Sometimes, they even invited published authors to read to us, inspiring a sense of wonder and creativity. Looking back, I realize I was a reader, though not a voracious one like my dad or sister. I read what genuinely interested me, not what I felt forced to read.

For instance, I loved reading about space, history, and animals. One of my quirkiest childhood habits was flipping through encyclopedias and jotting down interesting facts in a notebook. My book collection was eclectic, filled with Ranger Rick’s Zoobooks, Junie B. Jones, American Girl books and magazines, and Magic Attic Doll stories (if you know, you know). Then came Harry Potter, and my love for fantasy truly took off.

As much as I adored fantasy, I occasionally ventured into other genres to keep an open mind. It wasn’t until later in life that I realized how vital reading was to me. Books like To Kill a Mockingbird, Fahrenheit 451, and The Kite Runner, required reading in high school,helped me see the power of literature to spark thought and shape perspectives.

In college, my reading shifted to autobiographies. I found myself immersed in the lives of Malcolm X, Frederick Douglass, Assata Shakur, and Maya Angelou. During that time, movies became my primary escape, but I never completely abandoned books.

Now, in my 30s, reading has taken center stage in my life once again. Whether it’s curling up with a good book at home or listening to audiobooks during long work hours, reading has become my solace. Life’s challenges feel a little lighter when I can escape into another world. There’s something magical about losing yourself in a book, each chapter feels like a charm to collect, adding meaning and joy to life.