Me and Books

I've always loved reading. I remember the day I started my love affair with books. It was way back in grade school. I was told by my guidance councilor that I will be picked up late. With all my friends gone , I had no choice but to wait either in the school canteen or at the library. Having spent my day's allowance over lunch, I had no other choice but to go to the library. Initially, I convinced myself to do my homework. But, I soon got bored and decided to leaf through some of the hard bound books. There, I discovered the Nancy Drew Mystery series. I was intrigued that there were more than 30 books in the series. I decided to read the first chapter of Book 1 (The Secret of the Old Clock) and could not put the book down. It was in this state, engrossed in the reading a book, that my mom found me. My mom was a little surprised. I guess she was used to seeing me engaged in some form of art. 

I didn't borrow the book then. But, I went back the next day to continue reading it. Thus, started my obsession in reading. I read mostly mystery, adventure, and fantasy books. I didn't really care much for the romance and historical romance that my older sister was into. In fact, I make it a point to stay away from those types of books as I find them far from entertaining.

It was a little difficult for me to give it up when my college grades started to suffer a little because of too much reading. But, I eventually did. From averaging 4 fiction books a week, I reduced my reading to 0 fiction books in college and 1-4 fiction books per year after college.

When I resigned from work in May 2011 and decided to rest for a month before starting my own business, I again found myself with nothing to do. Then, I remember the hundreds of books that I bought that are left unread and collecting dust on my bedroom shelves. Without thinking, I grabbed one of the books, and started reading. I haven't stopped reading since. 

Now, I make time to read at least 1 chapter a day. Reading keeps me grounded. Reading ignites my passion. Reading fills me with joy. 

Reading has done a lot for me in the past 3 years. And with gratitude, I'd like to acknowledge these books by adding a "LIBRARY" page. For now, it will just be a list of books. But, every now and then I'll be writing book reviews too. I hope by doing so, I would be able to encourage others to start a love affair with books too.