Ever since I was a little girl, I have been enchanted by fantasy. I satisfy this enchantment with books. I often imagine myself as a part of the unique, magical worlds in my books, disconnecting from reality while I devour the pages. Reading makes me feel important, like I am experiencing something bigger than myself.

I am tethered to the characters, accompanying them throughout their great quests, my pleasure blooming as I live vicariously through them and their journeys. I consider myself a member of a universal community of readers, including people from entirely different backgrounds, ethnicities, and incomes. We are fascinated with magic and wonder. Connected through our affinity for illustrious language, we relate to the vivid characters in our books, developing relationships with them throughout the story.

The love of literature knows no discrimination. I recognize members of my community everywhere, from the girl in my class immersed in her book to the man in the coffee shop avidly flipping pages. I experience a sense of comfort as I encounter fellow members of our community, because even if I do not know them personally, we share a kindred connection.

Reading, and the community surrounding it, has changed my life. It allows me to escape the stressful struggles of everyday life and experience the magical fantasies I have always craved. I have learned to appreciate wonderful worlds within my own, and I am forever grateful.