life as poems 'n letters

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.

George R.R. Martin

WARNING: LONG STORY AHEAD

If you’re a regular reader of this blog, you probably know that as much as I love writing, I also LOVE to read. I could easily say I was a bookworm when I was young. I’ve read hundreds of novels, comics, and non-fiction books, both in English and Filipino. Reading has always been a huge part of my life, shaping who I am today.

My Early Love for Books

One of my favorite books during grade school was the Almanac Books for Kids. It was filled with pictures, amazing facts, and historical stories. I can vividly recall my enthusiasm flipping through those colorful pages. Unfortunately, my parents couldn’t afford these books, so I often borrowed them from a classmate. Eventually, when she grew tired of them, she generously donated them to me.

High School: A Different World

When I got into high school, it was a completely different environment. As an introvert, it was daunting. Students were grouped based on their interests, much like the cliques in High School Musical. I admired a character named Gabriella—a nerdy, confident bookworm who wasn’t afraid to show off her smarts. But unlike Gabriella, I didn’t enjoy being in the spotlight. I often avoided talking about myself, preferring to describe myself as something other than a bookworm.

Finding Solace in Books

Eventually, I found a group of friends. But even though I loved them, I couldn’t always endure the small, girly talk. Most days, I would find myself alone, so I turned my attention back to books. I remember hiding my new books from my mom because I didn’t want to be scolded for spending money on them. I even hid them in our neighbor’s house because my mom was too good at finding them in my room!

Becoming a Regular in the Library

I guess I fully embraced my bookworm identity out of necessity during my third year in high school. I had an 8 AM journalism class and didn’t want to go home before my regular classes started at 1 PM. So, I spent my mornings in the library. At first, it was a bit boring because I was used to reading fiction and picture-heavy almanacs. The library mostly had academic books. But soon, I found myself skimming through newspapers and reading newly arrived books. The library became my haven.

Expanding My Reading Horizons

As time went on, I made it a goal to read at least one book a week. I expanded my reading list to include English novels. One of the fastest reads for me was The Collectors by David Baldacci—a 350-page thriller that I finished in two and a half days. It remains one of my favorite books to this day.

The Collectors – David Baldacci

I have read other books from the same author but I guess I’m going to mention that in a separate post. 😉

The Impact of Reading on My Writing

My love for reading naturally led me to a passion for writing. I don’t think I would have developed a love for writing if I hadn’t been a reader first. Most of my writing ideas come from the many books I’ve read. Reading helps me organize my thoughts before I put pen to paper. It has aided me in many aspects of life, from writing my first feature article for the school newspaper to completing a last-minute 5,000-word research paper for my Filipino class.

Conclusion: The Endless Benefits of Reading

Reading has shaped who I am and continues to be a critical part of my life. Whether it’s for my personal enjoyment or academic growth, reading has been a constant companion. Even now, as I prepare for my CFA exams, I rely on my love of reading to get through the dense curriculum. Books truly are a uniquely portable magic, as Stephen King said. They open up hundreds of worlds and possibilities, each one more incredible than the last.

Books are a uniquely portable magic.

Stephen King

Final Thoughts

Not everyone enjoys reading, especially with a busy schedule. But for me, reading is like immersing myself in a world that is not my own. It offers countless worlds and endless possibilities. If you haven’t found the magic in reading yet, maybe it’s time to give it another try. You never know where a good book might lead you.