I can proudly admit that I have been a huge bookworm my entire life. I have loved it since I was first able to read back in elementary school. It has shaped me in to who I am today, but many people I know don't truly understand what reading does for a person.

I think the biggest reason I love reading so much is because of my family. They all love to read and always encouraged me to read as much as I could by never denying me the books that I wanted. Many of my family members are authors as well and they have taken me to many book conventions. Reading has been something that I shared with them and as I've gotten older I have learned just how much reading has done for me.

Throughout my life I have had many struggles, there have been many times I have felt alone and needed to escape from reality. Books were always my solace. When I read I was able to go into a different world and stand along side the heroes of the books. Books have allowed me to learn life lessons, fall in love, travel through space, and even start rebellions. Reading allows me to be with my fictional heroes and fight for justice. Who else can say they do those things every weekend?

Authors have a superpower, they can write words on a page and make worlds come to life. They make us cry, laugh, smile, and even cringe. I have to thank authors for allowing me to transport to another world when I needed it most. I have to thank them for making someone who felt lonely feel less alone.

Books have even given me the best friends I could've asked for, I joined a battle of the books team many years ago and shared my love of reading with people who felt the same way. Besides allowing me to escape, reading has also given me my future career. I want to get my degree in English education so I can show kids what books can do for them. I owe so many parts of my life to books and that is why it is so powerful.

My advise to everyone out there is to find a book that speaks to you. When you are feeling down just remember that there is a book out there that will help you get through hard times. If you don't like to read, try and find one book you like because it will change your life. That being said, I am always looking for book recommendations!