In these days of television, internet and social media, books have become a forgotten treasure. No one has time anymore to actually sit and lose themselves in a good story. Patience has deteriorated to such an extent that to read three paragraphs of a short article is considered an achievement. The habit of reading for pleasure seems to have become virtually extinct, sadly.
Great books help you understand, and they make you feel understood"
–John Green
Reading is a habit I developed when I was a kid, and it has developed from a conscious habit to an absolute necessity. I cannot now go one day without reading, be it a serious book on philosophy, or something as much fun as P G Wodehouse. Books have become much more than just a source of knowledge; they've become my best friends, philosophers and guides.
Books have taught me compassion, to see other people's point
of view, to be less judgmental, because everyone and everything has a story
behind it. Books have taught me to dream, to hope, and best of all, to imagine.
To imagine, is to see possibilities in the smallest of things, and to see the
best side of whatever may happen. Books have also been the best source of
comfort I have; nothing seems quite as bad after you read a good book.
The beauty of books is such that just being around them, whether in a library or bookstore, calms you down and lifts your mood. Reality outside ceases to exist, and so many worlds open up in which we can happily lose ourselves. It is best described by William Styron,
