There’s no better feeling than curling up in your bed, blankets all around you and so many pillows you can’t even count. Your favorite candle is lit, engulfing your room with a scent that you never get tired of. The windows are open, night time is falling, and there’s a slight breeze coming through, making your room feel cozier then it already is. In front of your eyes is the book that has captured your attention for the past few days; it’s all you’ve been thinking about at school, work and even during meals. This book is the only thing on your mind, and nothing can stop you now from reading (or finishing) it.
This is my usual setting every night. I can’t go a day without reading my current book, and I constantly update my Goodreads account, hoping I make it to my yearly goal of 20 books (I’m currently at 13!). To me, reading is such a precious pass time, and there are many reasons why. So put down your book for once, and enter a new world of complete agreement.
1. It’s relaxing.
There’s nothing like opening your favorite book when it’s time to relax, to be taken away to faraway lands like District 12 in The Hunger Games or the New York Institute in The Mortal Instruments, or to be able to forget about all the problems in the world right now. Suzanne Collins, take me away…
2. I’m able to get lost.
Every time I read an amazing book, I end up getting lost in it. If a book is that good, nothing will distract me. Except my cat scratching at my door.
3. I can show off my impressive collection.
I always buy my books- I mean, I’m a proud Barnes & Nobel member. Sure, I have a library card, but I only use it if I’m hesitant about a book, which is rarely. There’s something about putting a new book of my overflowing shelf that makes me feel warm inside, like I’ve given a child a home or something.
4. There are so many worlds to discover.
I’ve been to the Capitol, the City of Bones, the Glade, and I’m currently enrolled in Hogwarts. There are so many amazing places I’ve read about, and there are more that I have yet to discover.
5. The book is always better than the movie, so I read the book first of course.
This is an obvious fact, but I’ve read most of my books because the movie looked good, like The 5th Wave and The Mortal Instruments. Most of the time I’m disappointed, but when I come across a really good adaptation, I’m happy that I spent time reading the book, and I feel more connected to it.
6. You come across characters that you’ll love forever.
Katniss Everdeen is by far my favorite character that I have ever read about. She’s everything I’ve ever wanted to be and more, and I look up to her a role model, even though she’s not real. There are characters that a reader can really connect too, whether it’s on a personal level or they just have things in common; everyone has their all-time favorite, and a list could go on and on about why they love and appreciate them so much.
7. HARDCOVERS.
Hardcover books are the most beautiful things in the world. When a brand new book comes out, I always contemplate if I want one hardcover book that is just amazing, or two paperbacks for the same price. Usually I wait for the paperback version to be released, but if the next book in a series I love comes out and it’s hardcover, you know I’m buying it.
8. Writing book reviews can be fun.
I don’t always write book reviews, but when I do, I defiantly have something to say. Whether it’s good or bad, I want to get my opinion out there, and I know that the author is probably never going to see it, but if I can convince another reader to pick up the book, then I’ve accomplished something.
9. There’s a calm before the storm.
When you start a book, everything is easy going. You learn who the characters are, what their dilemma is, and the world they live in. But then all of a sudden something unexpected pulls you in, and the whole world is turned upside down. Before you know it, it’s four in the morning and you’ve finished the book, searching online if there’s a second one coming out sooner rather than later.
10. There’s always a book buddy.
This could mean a friend, a family member, or even someone you met on an online forum, but for me, I mean my cat. Most of the time she’s laying on my bed with me as I’m reading Harry Potter, or crawling all over my lap as I’m trying to read in the living room, nudging her head on my hand to gain my attention. No matter who (or what) your reading buddy is, they’re always there for you when you need to vent about the death of your favorite character.
