Many people ask me why I read so much. Most of the time, my response is simply a smile, or I say three straight words: “I love it.” There have been a few instances, however, when I tried to explain why reading is so important to me and why I’m so fond of books. Some people appreciate it, others laugh, and some simply move on.
Books have played a vital role in shaping my personality. They give me patience and teach me to take the time to understand situations, learn, relearn, and unlearn things. Only then I make decisions about how to respond to situations in the stories I read.
Almost every book you read tells your story in some way. That’s the best part of books — finding a connection between your own life and what you’re reading. This means the writer has created a bond with the reader. Everything you read exists in reality, but when it’s woven into fiction, the stories take on different forms. There are characters in books who represent the people you see in your life. In real life, you don’t always get to see who someone truly is when they’re left alone, but in novels, the personality traits — both the strengths and flaws — of characters are clearly expressed. You learn that, in essence, all humans are the same. It’s just that the challenges they face in life reveal different sides of their character. Inside, we are all the same; it’s a matter of whether we act positively or negatively. Some rare people later understand the difference between the two and strive to improve their better qualities.
I’ve encountered so many books that helped me learn about people, and why they act the way they do. It’s like gaining a little insight into human psychology through the books you choose to read.
Another joy of reading is improving vocabulary. The journey of learning vocabulary is never-ending when you read. Every book gives you a chance to discover new words. You come across synonyms you never knew existed because you hadn’t felt the need for them before. Your language improves, along with your grammar and communication skills, whether it’s storytelling, narrating your past experiences to friends, or explaining things to people you meet. All of these can be enhanced by reading.
My opinions get polished, and I get a chance to observe even the slightest things by reading. Being a keen observer and a reader benefits you in ways you never thought possible. Take, for example, the popular book Jannat ke Pattay by Nimrah Ahmed, which went viral. The story, set in Turkey, captured the imagination of readers. People not only loved the storyline, but they also began visiting Turkey and sharing their experiences before and after reading the novel. I’m curious if Nimrah Ahmed ever anticipated that her love story would also serve as a travelogue for those who long to visit places like Turkey. If she did, then she is undoubtedly an exceptional writer. If she didn’t, I’d still say that a professional accident occurred, one that continues to enrich the reading journey of her fans.
Understanding creativity in different ways. Books based on films also offer valuable lessons in creativity. One of the best examples of a book-to-film adaptation is the Harry Potter series. Once you've read the books and watched the movies, you can better judge the adaptation and pinpoint where things went wrong. This is something I love to do, as a keen observer. I never watch a movie adaptation until I’ve read the book. My background in media helps me appreciate the different aspects of storytelling and how they are adapted for cinematography
Another great example is the Dune series by Frank Herbert. The Dune books are filled with intricate world-building, philosophy, and politics, which makes them a challenge to translate into film. The most recent adaptation, directed by Denis Villeneuve, brought a visually stunning version of the story to the screen, but fans of the books can always spot the deeper meanings that a movie may not fully capture. Reading the Dune series gives you a deeper understanding of the complex themes. It’s another reminder of how reading allows you to dive into a universe in ways that film cannot always replicate.
Ultimately, it all comes down to your choice of reading and the genre of books you want or need to explore, whether for professional growth or personal enjoyment. Books are a sea of knowledge where you can find everything, but only if you pick wisely and make informed decisions about what to read.
Many people claim that book reading will soon vanish with the upcoming generation. However, thanks to social media platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Twitter, the conversation about books and literature continues to thrive. These communities promote even the old classics that once revolutionized poetry, language, and literature. If you’re unsure about who I’m talking about, then it’s high time you pick up a book and start reading.
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