I grew up with a mother who loves to read, and that love prompted her to read me a bedtime story almost every night. I attribute my love of reading to my mother, and I'm so thankful I discovered this passion. So many other people my age don't see what I see when it comes to literature. Throughout my childhood, I'd rather be caught up in a good book than outside playing or on the computer. The same can still be said today.

The categories of people who do not read are those who choose not to because of other priorities or claim to not enjoy reading. In my personal opinion, time should always be made for literature because of all of its benefits. I can understand the sad reality that our busy schedules often keep us from the things we love. However, I pity those who claim to not like reading. The worst kind of people who say they don't like to read are the ones who have never attempted to get lost in a book. I suppose some people open the book and become overwhelmed by the abundance of words and don't bother beginning. Others claim that they get bored within the first few pages and can't get themselves to continue reading. That, however, is the worst excuse for not reading a book. Who watches a movie for the first time and knows exactly what's going to happen the rest of the two hours? No one. (Other than the cast and crew, but that's besides the point). Getting lost in the characters and the storyline is the best part of reading. The process of learning about the personalities of the characters and joining them on their adventures are just the beginning. You will soon find yourself being a part of the book. It may not happen in the first few pages, but it will happen eventually. Patience is a virtue.

There's no quicker way to escape the real world and all of its stressors than to read a book. Life is always changing, but the stories written on the pages of a book are constant. If you put the book down, you can go back a few days, weeks or years later and pick up right where you left off. Once you start reading, it's nearly impossible to stop. However, there is a down side to entering the fictional world. The feeling of looking up from your book and realizing how long you've actually been reading is almost mind-blowing. It is also depressing. Post-reading depression is a real thing. You find yourself walking among the characters and learning their flaws, reading their emotions and predicting their next moves. To be ripped out of that world is simply heartbreaking until you read your next novel.

The cycle is never ending. You can set your expectations high with just about any book. No matter the genre or storyline, reading takes you out of reality and gives you a taste of worlds that you've never imagined to exist. I'll always be appreciative of the lessons I've learned from novels and the bonds I've formed with the characters. When real life lets you down, literature will be there for you.