book enthusiast

JUNE 21, 2023. 4:43PM 

Ever since I was little, I always found myself reading books. I was an only child for a few years until my little sister joined the world! Being the only toddler in the house for the first years, I loved to open a book and gaze upon each page. Yes, I know...I couldn't read yet but that didn't stop me! I loved the feeling of what would happen next just by looking at the pictures or just using my imagination. Now, to this day I love reading all kinds of books. It's almost a secret therapy to myself and my own world I can hide away in sometimes. 

Not until 2023, I started reading again. It's helped me a tremendous amount by not helping myself to my phone for hours and has distracted me in all good ways! This year, I've only started reading a few here and there but the one that has stood out to me the most is, "A Little Life" by Hanya Yanagihara. Now before anyone starts feeling concerned (if you've read this book that is) for me, I am okay haha. This book is definitely a heavy read and I would not recommend it to everyone. However, it is beautifully written and focuses on the power of friendship. Despite all the horrific events in this book, it can also teach the reader so much. Thats what I adore about books! You have to be careful with anything you read, cause it does have some sort of influence on you and thats goes for anything in todays world. But for me, I like to think books are a window into endless lessons. I ask myself before I start reading, 'What am I gonna learn from this book?', 'Will I read it again?'. My family in general are readers and teachers, as well as my mom's side of her family. My parents sometimes inspires me to read more and just get lost in a book. It really helps to just go somewhere comfortable and forget how long you've been reading. 

This year, I have lost count with the books I've committed to. But for some reason, I feel happier because of collecting them and even looking forward to going to the bookstore brings me instant joy. A few years back, I felt like it was a chore and would just want to do something else. Boring I know!! Something changed though. I don't know if it was the Lord who tested me to start reading or something random sparked inside. Either way, I am grateful that I love reading now and can rely on it to make my days better. if needed. My goal is somehow to fill my bookshelves with books and books...and books! I have also joined bookclubs in a book app, "Fable" and "Goodreads" from some fellow people on social media I follow. And that even makes reading more fun. I love hearing what others have to say about the books I have read and am currently reading. I find myself to just binge book review videos on YouTube of what the person thought of the book and what they didn't like it. I have the same passions with movies and reading everyone's reviews. It just makes me happy that others can share the same interests in you and how that book has changed them in a way. 

Anyways! I am still reading to this day and will probably forever now.  Im excited about this journey and where it will take me...and if my bookshelves will indeed fill and liven my room up a bit. In the meantime, I will see you all in the next blog. :)