Confessions of a Book Lover

Let’s talk about how much we love books.
I don’t remember when I discovered the joy of reading. I definitely remember the excitement of going to the library. The kids’ department of the city library was on the top floor of the building, where you can see a very modest view over the City Hall. This floor was very bright, spacious and with familiar quietness. This was back in my hometown.
I discovered how much I loved writing on this floor. I wrote my first stories there. I didn’t have many friends in my elementary school, and this floor was where I made some. Many years after I first got my library membership, I studied here for the entrance exam for the University. This is also where I held my first speech. Ugh, that one wasn’t so successful. Everyone fell asleep and I felt awkward.
Oh, all the worlds you could see in these books! I wonder why I don’t go to kids department anymore — they had the most wonderful stories. Do you remember “The Famous Five”? I was so excited to go to these adventures with them. I can still remember how I imagined some parts of these stories.
And all the times I hurried back home from school to read Harry Potter. I was sitting in this classroom where I definitely didn’t like it so much — how soothing was the feeling of knowing your favorite book in the world awaits in the comfort of your own room. Just cuddle up in bed and open the book and you are there.
Then came teenage books like “Confessions of Georgia Nicolson”. I wonder if anyone else read that? It was so funny and relatable. That crazy, wild cat of hers. Remember when she shaved her brow? How is it even possible I read that book 15 years ago and I still remember so many details?
In high school I had so many obligatory books to read for my literature classes, and all I remember was that I didn’t feel like reading them. Not sure if 17–18 years old wasn’t the right time to read the classics, or I simply enjoyed going out on weekends more.
But then on University I went back to reading as my way of getting away from problems and a way of cheering up. Somewhere in between I realized how much I enjoyed learning about other cultures through fiction. I was introduced to this genre through (one of my favorite authors) Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie and her book “The Purple Hibiscus”. I then devouringly read all her books, and many more on similar topic.
I also always loved books about books. There aren’t many of these (and if you know good ones, please recommend). I’m sure you know about “The Shadow of the Wind”. And do you ever feel you like a book so much, you decide to read it a bit more slowly, so you can read it a bit longer? That’s how I felt about book called “Sitničarnica kod srećne ruke”. There’s no translation of this one to English. :( What a pity. It’s about reading — about two people who fell in love in the world of their imagination while they read the same book. Wonderful, wonderful book.
And before this article turns into ranting and random book recommendation, I’ll mention one more genre: autobiographies. It’s so wonderful to be able to go into the minds of great people. See what were their worries. Lear about how they resolved their problems. And just learn about life. A book I always give away to people I mentor and people who are starting their career: Michael Pupin’s “From immigrant to inventor”.
I used to read more while I was commuting by bus. Now with a car I usually read only in the evenings or on weekends and holidays. But I always find time for this sweet escape.
I was also reading an article yesterday here on Medium, and the author made a good point: instead of always craving traveling, read more books. This will give you the opportunity to go to so many different worlds, meet amazing people. Just in your head.
This writing got me craving for good books. Please excuse me while I go spend the next three hours on GoodReads!
How do you feel about reading?
