I love books.

I don’t really care what format they are in, E-books, paperback, hardback etc. If it’s good I will read it regardless. I do prefer a paperback book, but that’s mostly for versatility. I like reading comfortably in my bed and most times it takes a while to get comfortable enough to do it. They allow me the ability to try out many positions until I find the one.

It’s something about diving into a world and escaping my own that I just need. When things were going south when I was younger, there were two places I would go to take my mind off of things; The softball field and a good book. That is true now more than ever. I can focus on other people’s problems, whether they are real isn’t an issue. I create life long bonds with some of the characters, and they even taught me a lot about myself as I grew up too.

My genre of choice is definitely fiction. Give me some wizards, witches, vampires, or three little children that just couldn’t find a safe place to call home. I’m all over it. Before every single books I ever read got turned into a movie (it seriously feels that way) I could create my own picture of how each character looked like. When they smiled, when they laughed, and even when they cried. I could feel all of their emotions no matter how strong they were. They were my best friends, even if they weren’t necessarily real, they had life to me.

My favorite character of all time is Susie Salmon which comes from my favorite book, The Lovely Bones. She was so strong, talented and a free spirit. I want to be just like her. All she ever wanted was for her family to move on and be happy. She was selfless, and taught me that in order to lift others up, I must be selfless at times too. (Seriously, if you’ve never read the book I highly suggest watching the movie.) I cried like a baby when the book was over because she was gone. There was no second book. She was at peace and it was like I had lost my best friend when I had closed it.

Susie Salmon was gone.

But the lessons she taught me stuck with me. Which is why I believe taking the time out of a busy life to read a book is a reward like no other. All of a sudden you can learn things about yourself you never knew existed. If it’s a tragic story, you look at your life with a more grateful attitude and if you feel like you need to step up your game after reading a story, then that isn’t so bad either. Books have a way of highlighting the most important aspects of life. No matter what the genre is. Even if there wasn’t meant to be a lesson, you usually gain one from it anyway.

Ever since I learned how to read I have been captivated by stories that have made me laugh, cry, and become unbearably angry. They keep me human and sane. When I have lost my way, they bring me back to myself. Who knew a book could hold that much power? Pick up one, and I’m sure you will find out.

Here are my top ten favorite books/ book series:

1. The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
2. Looking For Alaska by John Green
3. Harry Potter Series by J.K Rowling
4. The Series of Unfortunate Events by Lemony Snicket
5. The Hunger Games Series by Suzanne Collins
6. The Book Thief by Markus Zusak
7. Twilight Saga by Stephanie Meyer
8. Vampire Academy Series by Richelle Mead
9. The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks
10. The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins

Happy reading!