When asked about hobbies, it’s a lot more interesting to say you like indoor climbing, triathlons or something unusual that sparks conversation like base-jumping. Unless you’re an avid reader like I am, it doesn’t sound quite as exciting as saying you love nothing more than settling down with a good book.
And what adds to my reading excitement is the knowledge that I also have a stack of books waiting to be read, everything from Daring Greatly by Brené Brown and Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt to Sociopath by Patric Gagne and The Seven Ages of Death by Dr Richard Shepherd.
While some people cannot live without the internet or without football in their lives, I cannot live without books.
The attraction of books
Books have a unique power. They are much more than ink on paper or text on a screen. They are gateways to new worlds, ideas, and experiences.
Whether you’re an avid reader or someone who occasionally picks up a novel, there is an undeniable joy in the act of reading.
Books can be companions, teachers, and windows into places we’ve never been. In a fast-paced world filled with screens and constant distractions, the joy of books remains a comforting refuge, offering us opportunities for growth, escape, and connection.
Books as a Gateway to Other Worlds
One of the greatest joys of reading is its ability to transport us to places we could never otherwise go. A book can take you along the South West Coast Path from Somerset to Dorset, further afield to a Ladies’ Detective Agency in Botswana, and back to occupied France during the devastation of World War II.
With every turn of the page, readers embark on adventures beyond the limitations of time and space. This ability to travel without ever leaving your seat is a magical aspect of books.
For many, the worlds within books are more real than reality itself. Consider the magic of stepping into Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings or exploring the future, post-apocalyptic world in Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games.
Treasured memories from childhood and beyond
These fictional realms feel like second homes to readers, with characters who become friends and stories that become cherished memories. Many of us will have met Stig of the Dump, The Secret Seven, and Anne of Green Gables at some point in our lives. For others it will be The Gruffalo, Charlie and Lola, and Hairy Maclary.
Even non-fiction books can provide a similar form of transportation, whisking us away into the intricacies of human history, the wonders of science and medicine, or the depths of a memoir.
Some wonderful examples of this that I have loved include Educated by Tara Westover, When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Long Walk to Freedom by Nelson Mandela, and anything medical including Fragile Lives by Stephen Westaby, Complications by Atul Gawande, With the End in Mind by Kathryn Mannix, and Admissions: A life in Brain Surgery by Henry Marsh.
In this way, books open our minds to a multitude of realities, expanding our understanding of life and the universe.
The Comfort of Solitude and Reflection
Reading a book is an inherently personal experience, and for many, it offers a welcome respite from the noise of daily life. In a world that often feels chaotic, books are a form of solace.
Curling up with a good book is a simple pleasure, a moment when the rest of the world fades away and it’s just you and the story. The act of reading slows us down, allowing us to fully immerse ourselves in a single narrative and focus our minds.
This solitude doesn’t necessarily feel lonely. In fact, it can feel like a conversation between the reader and the author. Through their words, writers share their thoughts, experiences, and imaginations, creating an intimate connection with readers who are thousands of miles away, or even from another century.
This exchange of ideas, emotions, and stories is a beautiful reminder of the timeless human desire for connection.
As well as this, reading invites us to reflect on our own lives. It allows us to see our own thoughts, dreams, and challenges mirrored in the experiences of fictional characters or real-life figures.
It can offer perspective, provide comfort, or inspire us to see things differently. This reflective aspect of reading adds a layer of joy that stays with us long after the book is closed.
Books as Teachers and Guides
Books have always been teachers, and the joy of learning is one of the most fulfilling aspects of reading. They are filled with the wisdom of those who have lived before us and the discoveries of those who have explored the unknown.
For the curious mind, books are an endless source of knowledge and inspiration. Whether it’s a work of philosophy, a scientific treatise, or a self-help book, reading allows us to engage with complex ideas and explore new perspectives. It gives us the freedom to challenge our own beliefs and grow as individuals.
The process of understanding something new, of seeing the world through another’s eyes, is both humbling and exhilarating. This intellectual stimulation brings a sense of satisfaction that few other activities can match.
Even fiction can be a powerful teacher, offering insights into human nature, empathy, and the intricacies of relationships. Take Divergent by Veronica Roth, The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini, Room by Emma Donoghue, and The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold, for example.
By living through the experiences of fictional characters, we learn about courage, love, loss, and resilience. These lessons often resonate on a deeper level because they are embedded in stories that move us emotionally.
The Joy of Discovery and Serendipity
There is a special thrill in the act of discovering a new book. Walking through a bookstore or browsing the shelves of a library, one never knows what treasures might be found. It might be a novel with an intriguing cover, a classic you’ve been meaning to read, or a title recommended by a friend.
Each new book is a promise—a promise of something new to learn, a new perspective, or a new adventure.
Books also have a way of finding us at just the right time. Many readers have had the experience of picking up a book by chance and discovering that it speaks to their current struggles, questions, or dreams. The Boy, The Mole, The Fox and The Horse by Charlie Mackesy speaks to all three.
This serendipitous connection can feel almost magical, as if the universe placed that book in your hands at the perfect moment. The joy of such discoveries makes reading an endless journey of exploration.
Building Community through Shared Stories
While reading can be a solitary experience, it also has the power to bring people together. Sharing a book with others – whether through a book club, a discussion forum, or simply a conversation with a friend – can deepen the joy of reading.
It allows us to explore different interpretations, appreciate new perspectives, and find common ground through shared stories.
Books have a unique ability to create communities, even among people who might otherwise have little in common.
Discussing a story’s characters, plot twists, or the ideas it presents can foster a sense of connection and understanding.
The joy of finding someone who loves the same book as you do – such as Mad Honey by Jodi Picoult, Hamnet by Maggie O’Farrell, Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens, and Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – or who has taken something entirely different from the same pages, is a reminder that literature has the power to unite.
Books as Lifelong Companions
Books are companions that stay with us through different stages of life. A book read as a child might offer nostalgia and comfort years later, while a novel read in adulthood can reveal new insights as our perspectives change. Certain stories become lifelong friends that we return to again and again, finding something new with each reading.
The physical presence of books, too, can be a source of joy. A shelf full of books is a testament to one’s journey through different worlds and ideas.
Each title represents a memory, a moment in time when you were lost in its pages. In a way, books are like time capsules, preserving the thoughts and feelings we had when we first read them.
The Endless Joy of Reading
The joy of books is a multifaceted experience – it’s about adventure, reflection, learning, discovery, community, and companionship.
Books invite us to see beyond our own world, offering insights into the human experience that transcend time and place. They remind us of the power of stories and the magic of words.
In a world where so much is fleeting, books offer a sense of permanence and a way to connect with the deeper aspects of life.
Whether you’re seeking escape, knowledge, or simply the pleasure of a well-told story, books have something to offer. The joy of reading lies not just in the stories themselves, but in what they reveal about ourselves and the world around us.
It’s a joy that, once discovered, can last a lifetime.
