Why Should I Read When I Can Binge-Watch My Favorite TV Series?
That’s what I thought when I was 12 years old.
Reading wasn’t something that seemed important to me.
No one in my family was a reader.
I guess that’s why I always found the idea of reading a book for hours boring and honestly, a waste of time.
I remember my father bringing these non-fiction books by writers like Robin Sharma — gifted to him during his yearly meetings.
I did try reading them and found them inspirational…
But after 10 minutes that inspiration used to vanish.
I loved feeling the initial motivation from them but never thought about executing the wisdom inside.
And let’s agree- Reading books look cool AF.
Then, one day in 11th grade- my new friend who was a new transfer gave me this fictionbook by an Indian writer. I denied accepting it since I wasn’t inclined towards reading fiction.
But she was adamant.
When I reached home — I found she had sneaked that book into my bag (and no she wasn’t a witch who wanted to pull a magic card on me)
So I decided to give her a call.
“Read it over a weekend just 15 pages”, she said.
“Okay.. that’s not a lot. Let me give it a go.” I agreed.
So that’s what happened…
It was Saturday evening around 6:00 p.m.
I locked my room door. Set the lighting to make the mood.
(I know I was an aesthete back then as well)
And I started to read that book with the goal of 20 pages.
Before I knew it was 11 p.m. and I was 80% through the book.
Imagine my shock, surprise, and wonder.
I got so engrossed in that book that I never felt the time. (until the nature’s call… you know)
I felt like transforming into an entirely different world… living the life of the main character. Going through every emotion that the character went through.
That day I realised the power of fiction books.
Moreover the power of ‘WORDS’.
I realized loving books is not about the reading habit but finding your favorite genre. I believe there is a genre for everyone. Like Netflix- someone like thrillers, romantic comedies, sci-fi — everyone has it.
Don’t you find it wicked how these alphabets form into words… and how they’ve got the power to literally transform a person’s behavior?
You can persuade them to buy a product, make them emotional or even influence them. No wonder influences are so popular.
No matter how many years go by… I will always be in awe and wonder while reading impactful storytelling.
So my friend if you can learn one skill in your life — Make it writing great stories.
Remember: To write differently, you need to think differently.
And… that’s only possible by exploring your own ideas with your own unique perspectives.
