One summer morning, years ago, I discovered a book so mesmerizing that I spent the entire day before my first day of middle school with my nose buried in its pages instead of worrying about the awkward period of my life I was about to arrive at. The next morning, I showed up to class with a mismatched outfit, unkempt hair, and a perpetual yawn on my eager but unsuspecting face. Maybe my unpreparedness turned out to be a depressing blemish on my debut into a new school, but reading that book was not. Since that day, I have loved reading, loved books, loved learning, and, perhaps most importantly, loved any and every combination of the three.

Books, to me, are their own special kind of magic. Being able to snuggle down with a new story and disappear into another world will never not be amazing to me. There's a reason I'm going to school for this, to get a degree in English; the power of literature continues to blow my mind with every word I read, and I want to never lose that feeling.

So what blows my mind even more is the idea that there are many people who think reading is boring or unimportant. I'm not trying to attack anyone for liking different things, because that is always okay and I would never, ever want someone to feel shamed for liking or disliking a certain thing. But, in the same vein, the archaic mindset that sitting down to read a book is "nerdy" or that book-reading is a waste of time is still prevalent, and simply something that makes me infinitely sad. If you happen to be one of these people, allow me to try to dispel your thoughts.

I know that oftentimes, the books that kids are forced to read in school push people away from reading for pleasure for the rest of their lives--I'll admit, I hated (most of) those books, too. But there is an undeniable difference between reading a book you enjoy and reading something you're forced to read. There is also the matter that not everyone is going to love the same book or book genre, and you need to find the right fit. I have a feeling that people who claim to hate reading are not looking for books in the right places. What's popular does not always equal what's good. There are literally millions and millions of books out there in the world! Fiction, non-fiction, sci-fi, romance, autobiographies... Chances are, you're bound to find a few that fit you and your tastes perfectly.

Not only is there a vast variety of books, there are a bajillion and one ways nowadays to access them (Thanks, Internet). Be it an audiobook, an e-book, or a good, old-fashioned hardback, enjoying a book is accessible pretty much anywhere. Technology has eliminated the most limiting restriction that people claim to explain why they don't read: time. That's a whole bunch of MALARKEY, people. Listen to an audio book on your commute to school or work, or even as you slave away at the gym. I love music as much as the next guy, but maybe try skipping the Taylor Swift next time and go for some Margaret Atwood instead (though I love both of those women). Have a break in between classes? The world's e-books are calling for you, especially when there's a bunch of free books that you can find relatively easily with a quick Google search. And, with 81.52 households worldwide with a Netflix account in 2016, I know that there is plenty of opportunities for you to pick up a novel instead of watch that 10th episode of The Office.

There's also a certain way to read a book, to really enjoy it. Engage with it, ask it questions, notice patterns. You'll be shocked at how much better your experience with books will be if you approach them like a puzzle to be solved instead of mere words on a page.

Now, you're probably wondering why I have spent a whole 700 words preaching at you about how I adore books and all the ways you could make yourself an avid reader, but still haven't told you why I'm sharing all this. Like I said before, books amaze me. I want everyone to know that feeling, of course, but, more than that, reading is food for your mind; not only do you get to appreciate an amazing story, you get to improve your brain, too. My writing has improved since I started to read more often. I have learned so much unconsciously from books, it surprises me all the time. And it's not always practical information, like a new word, but also information on people, and life. Even books as basic as The Cat In The Hat teach valuable ideas and lessons.

Ultimately, what I want everyone to take from this is to give reading a chance, if you haven't already. I promise it'll change your life.