I still fondly recall my mother telling me stories before I went to sleep. For us, this had become a bedtime ritual of sorts. Even my father used to get me books from wherever he went. Growing up, reading became more than just a pastime; it became part of my personality.
While my retention power isn’t the best, I have been a lifelong learner. What I lack in memory, I more than make up for with perseverance. I don’t care what the medium is – both hard and soft copies work for me. It is the content that matters.
I have a pretty vivid imagination, so when I read, it feels as though I am sitting face-to-face with a good friend. I have no issues whatsoever putting myself in the shoes of the characters I am reading about. Whatever the author omits, I fill it in with my own ingenuity, such as faces, textures, background, smells or colors. I could vanish from this world and enter a completely different one. Another special thing about me as a reader is that I never rush through the books I am reading. I read at my own sweet pace and give ample thought to what the author has tried to convey. Over the years, I have read some great books, which include
- The Hilarious World of Depression by John Moe: The novelist’s family had a history of depression. As Moe battles his melancholy, he begins to notice coping mechanisms in other comedians. You wouldn’t expect laughing out loud while reading a book with such a heavy theme, but that’s what makes this such an exciting read.
- Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki: This book completely changed my perception of the rich folks.
- Becoming by Michelle Obama: One great way to be inspired is to read about the people who inspire you. The former First Lady’s biography is replete with such lessons and anecdotes.
- Sigh, Gone by Phuc Tran: We have all experienced the miserable feeling of not belonging at some point in our lives. This story beautifully captures such emotions. This coming-of-age story outlines the author’s journey to America, his attempts to blend in, and his final realization of his true calling.
- Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom: As a book, this one is as comprehensive as they come. It pretty much covers every problem, every dilemma that life throws at us. By the time I was done reading this, I had a fresh outlook on life, death, and everything in between.
- Hill Women by Cassie Chambers: The novel follows the journey of the author’s family as they struggle with hardships, making life-altering decisions along the way.
- Girl, Stop Apologizing by Rachel Hollis: An excellent book about helping women realize their true potential. This New York Times‘ bestseller exhorts women to stop rationalizing their passions and to start acting on them instead.
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