What is a book?

         A book is more than a past time, more than a story, more than words on a page. “One must always be careful of books and what is inside them, for words have the power to change us.”(The quote is actually from one of my favorite books, Clockwork Angel by Cassandra Clare.) Books aren’t like any other media out there. They are their own unique little world on their own, that many people have long forgotten about over the years.  It is sad now that being an avid reader is something unique about people, now a days. I mean way back books were the only things people had.  Now we have cell phones, television, computers, etc. If you think about it, books are a lot like cars. When books were “officially” in use for everyone, there probably weren’t many to choose from, just like cars. When more and more people start using books or cars, new types come out. Now, there are so many to choose from. Then things started to get really innovative and then suddenly there are bikes, trains, planes, subways, motorcycles, and much more. Eventually that first car isn’t in use anymore or as much. There are better and more improved things to choose from. This hasn’t happened yet, but maybe one day we won’t need cars anymore. They will just be a prototype to something bigger and better. This is like books. When new and improved ways of doing something different (i.e. kindles), from what you have always known is an awkward stage. There are some people who like to stick with their own ways and don’t like change, and then there are some people who are all about making progress and getting the next big thing. I guess I am one of those people who is stuck in the middle.

Why I Read

        I read because it gives me an escape from life. Sometimes life can be too much and knowing that I can escape, even if it’s just for a little while, it helps me get through hard times. Reading lets me let go of my worries and travel into a new world, without leaving the solace of my bedroom.  It is a skill that I have only recently acquired. Before going into eighth grade I never read. It would have been a feat if I read five books a year. Now I could probably read five books in a month or less. As many people can relate, I went through an awkward stage in middle school and reading was a great outlet for me when I was stressed, bored, or even just having a bad day. When I got into eighth grade, my teacher basically told us that we had to read twenty minutes a night. I remember my friend recommending me a book called City of Bones. I was probably never going to read it, but I did and that when I became hooked. I ended up finishing it in a month, which was impressive for me. After that I kept reading and reading and reading more and I guess you could say, “and the rest was history.” 

I love this quote because I honestly believe its true.