If there’s one thing I probably haven’t shared nearly enough over the years, it’s my deep, lifelong love of books. Reading has been woven into the fabric of my life for as long as I can remember, and looking back, I realize just how much it has shaped who I am.
My grandfather was a passionate book collector, and his devotion to the written word left an indelible mark on my family. He passed that love on to my mother, who in turn passed it down to me. Some of my earliest and fondest childhood memories are of evenings spent listening to my mom read aloud. I can still hear the sound of her voice bringing stories to life, and I remember curling up next to her, completely transfixed by the worlds unfolding on the page. Those moments instilled in me not only a love for stories, but also an appreciation for the ritual of reading itself—quiet, grounding, and endlessly rewarding.
As I grew older, reading became something I pursued independently. I devoured novels, filled journals with favorite quotes, and always carried a book in my bag “just in case.” Reading was not just entertainment—it was a companion, a way of escaping, dreaming, and learning.
The Pause and the Return
Somewhere along the way, though, the pace of life caught up with me. Responsibilities multiplied, schedules filled, and I found myself reading less and less. What used to be a daily practice slowly became an occasional indulgence, and then, for a while, an afterthought. It wasn’t intentional—it just happened.
Recently, I’ve realized how much I’ve missed it, and I’ve been making a conscious effort to reclaim that part of my life. Just as exercise strengthens the body and meditation clears the mind, reading nurtures the soul. And so, I’ve set out on a personal mission: to read more—not out of obligation, but out of love.
Revisiting Old Favorites
My return to reading began with a little nostalgia. I found myself reaching for the classics I loved years ago, the ones that shaped me as a younger reader. Re-reading these books has felt a bit like catching up with an old friend—you remember why you connected in the first place, but the conversation is richer because you’ve changed, too.
Certain passages that once seemed beautiful now strike me as profound. Characters I once admired, I see differently through the lens of experience. That’s the magic of revisiting a beloved book: it stays the same, but you don’t.
I’ve shared a list of some of these timeless reads on my Amazon storefront, for anyone curious about what I’ve been revisiting. They are the kind of books that reward you with something new every time you open them.
Exploring New Territory
At the same time, I’ve been venturing into unfamiliar literary territory. It’s easy to gravitate toward comfort reads, but there’s something invigorating about stepping into a completely new genre, author, or perspective. Reading books that challenge me or surprise me has been a way to stretch my imagination and broaden my horizons.
Some of these new reads have been unexpected treasures—stories I might never have picked up years ago but now feel deeply grateful to have discovered. They remind me that books are not just about comfort and nostalgia but also about growth and discovery.
The Ritual of Reading Today
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned in this process is that reading doesn’t require hours of uninterrupted time—it simply requires intention. For me, that means keeping a book on my nightstand, so I’m more likely to reach for it instead of scrolling my phone before bed. It also means tucking a book into my bag again, so I can sneak in a few pages during those in-between moments.
Reading doesn’t have to be a grand event; it can be as simple as ten minutes with a cup of tea in the morning or a chapter before sleep. What matters most is the consistency and the joy it brings back into daily life.
An Invitation to Share
As much as reading is a personal practice, it’s also a community experience. Books spark conversations, connect people across generations, and inspire us to share stories. So, I’d love to hear from you: what are the books that have stayed with you? Which ones do you return to again and again, and which recent reads have surprised you?
I’m always eager for new recommendations, and I believe the best book suggestions often come from friends and readers who know the joy of discovering a truly great story.
Closing Thoughts
Rekindling my love for reading has felt like returning home. Books have always been a part of my story, even during the seasons when I wasn’t reading as much as I wanted. Now, as I make space for them again, I’m reminded of how restorative and inspiring they can be.
Whether it’s revisiting old favorites, exploring new genres, or simply savoring the quiet act of turning a page, reading continues to offer me something invaluable—a sense of grounding, wonder, and connection. And in today’s fast-paced world, that feels more essential than ever.
Here’s to carving out time for the stories that shape us, the characters who stay with us, and the endless worlds waiting to be discovered between the covers of a book.
