“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies” is a quote by George R.R. Martin that sticks with me not because it’s true, but because reading a book about another person or set in another world, is an escape from the struggles in life. I started reading in 2020 when I went to Florida for the birthday my cousin and I share. We had just watched the Harry Potter movies and I knew there were books, so I read the first one. It was that at time, that I realized reading wasn’t that bad if you find a topic and a plot you like.
While reading books I read many points of view from the main character and villain to the sister and love interest, and this helps open the doors to see how others view life and challenges. Books have challenged my critical thinking and made me more open-minded. Books have made me widen my eyes and see more of the world through others’ eyes and make me more empathetic. While reading I’ve explored the world without actually exploring the world.
Reading has been my comfort activity. When I’m bored I read or when I’m sad I read, I read all the time. The fiction stories have given me so many funny moments where I have to tell my mom what happened, or really sad moments where I cry my eyes out.
Authors’ stories or their experiences have shaped me and others to see the world differently and be more of a compassionate person overall. It continues to further inspire me and prove that books and learning about others’ perspectives can change someone’s life. I think reading is an escape from the world we live in today and it takes you to your favorite places even if they are fictional places.
