The Joy of Reading

 "Books are a uniquely portable magic; within their pages, we find new worlds, endless adventures, and the quiet company of those who understand us best."

There is a special kind of magic that happens when you crack open a novel. It's not just about a way to understand yourself and the world better. For me, reading is about escaping from the reality into different worlds and meeting unforgettable characters.

I have always been an avid reader but my passion for books took a new dimension when I started  collecting and reviewing novels. Each book in my collection holds a story beyond the one written on its pages. It represents countless hours spent lost in narrative, the thrill of discovering a new author, and the joy of sharing those discoveries with others. 

Collecting novels is like curating a personal museum. Each book, whether it’s a first edition or a well-loved paperback, has its own unique story. And each novel looks more beautiful when it's in hardcover. No offense to paperback though! They look great too, but hardcover rules them all. I often find myself browsing through internet trying to find my next read. But every time I am about to purchase it, I am told that there is no more space for books in my room. "But there is space for college textbooks?" I ask my mom. And this conversation goes on forever. "You have enough novels" is what we booklovers often get to hear. But, there’s a satisfaction in seeing a collection grow, knowing that every addition represents a new journey, a new perspective.

Few days ago, I started reading 'Before the coffee gets cold' by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. As soon as I finished the first chapter 'the lovers', it was quite obvious why the book was titled this. I started reading it around 8pm at night. As I finished half of the book, I realised it was 1AM.

Reading is like a never-ending buffet: you dive in with excitement, indulge in a few chapters, and then find yourself wondering why you have to put down your "plate" and go back to real life. And just like at a buffet, you might end up with a few book hangovers and an insatiable craving for "just one more chapter" before you realize it’s 3 AM!

 Reviewing novels adds another layer to this experience. It’s one thing to read a book; it’s another to articulate why it moved you, why it resonated or fell short. Writing reviews helps me dive deeper into my thoughts and feelings about a book. It’s a chance to share my enthusiasm or critique constructively, and hopefully, to spark someone else’s interest in a story that might change their life, just as it changed mine.

The beauty of reading, collecting, and reviewing is that it’s a never-ending adventure. Each book is a new world, and with every review, I get to explore it a little more deeply. Whether you’re a fellow book lover or someone looking to discover the joys of reading, I hope you’ll join me on this journey. After all, in the world of novels, there’s always another chapter waiting.

Until next chapter!

Adios!