I have been an avid book reader/lover for all of my life. For as long as I can remember, curling up with a good book for hours on end has given an immense amount of joy.

For so many of those years though, I couldn't pinpoint why exactly I loved to read so much... but I think I finally put my finger on it.

There are many times in my life that I struggle to put my emotions and feelings into words. I know how I'm feeling, but rather than trying to voice them or write them down, I just keep them in my head and try to figure it all out from there. Whenever I get super lost in my thoughts and don't know what else to do, I'll pick up a book and get lost in someone else's thoughts for a bit.

Sometimes when I get lost in the words for a while, it will help me put mine together in a new, understandable way. Falling into the book is a way to relax myself and then come back to my worries at a later time, sometimes giving me a new perspective on my situation.

Books provide a different kind of escape than movies. Although I love movies, books distract me by engaging my mind rather than just vegging out on the sofa to watch the latest comedy. Books also allow you to create your own version of the story.

While two people read the same book and create similar pictures in their heads, they will each have their own individual spin on what each setting and character looks like.

Reading also gives me the opportunity to learn something new with every page. Whether the book is fiction or non-fiction, there could always be new words or ideas that never crossed your mind.

Reading is still a daily part of my life and I do not intend to let it go anytime soon. Books give me a sense of freedom and knowledge that is so comforting.