BETWEEN THE COVERS: BEYOND THE PAGES

'If you don't like to read, you haven't found the right book' --J.K Rowling

Hello guys! Glad to have you here again. Let me steal this moment to wish my Muslim readers 'Eid Mubarak'. I hope you enjoyed your small holiday. Today, we will talk about books and how we find solace in reading them. Come along, Let me take you on an adventurous ride.

Words, in perspective, are so underrated. But if well organized, have special meaning and power. It gives affirmation; assurance and takes us to the world of possibilities. Isn't that what everyone needs?

Words matter. They give voice to how we see and give us the hope that we need. This is precisely what a book is made of.

Books help me escape emotions and realities. It isn't just possible to live on the pages. I have a wide range of tastes. I love memoirs; especially those written by a woman. Lol. That's an added advantage. I also love to read about cultures. I read relationship-related books too. 

When I read relationship/marriage-related books, I like it especially when it focuses on the type of person you are marrying rather than the concept of marriage itself. For this, CoHo (Colleen Hoover) is my sure guide. I have learnt a lot from this and I can't love her less. Oh sorry! I missed that part where I should tell you that Colleen hoover is my favourite author. Yeah, she is (chuckles).

I Have found laughter, sadness, adventure, friendship, love, family, betrayal and countless beautiful souls in the pages of these things we call books.

Books made me more intelligent and changed my life view.

They said readers are intentional about what they read. But that doesn't quite work for me. I don't even buy that idea at all. Because I read wide. I believe everyone should be able to read anything, whatever they want at any point in time, as long as it's readable and enjoyable. 

But looking at it from another point of view, it could be applicable in certain situations. We find ourselves in the crisis life throws at us at random times and what we need could be a book that helps us navigate that dark time. Also, for someone who finds it hard to understand certain topics, they might have to be intentional in reading books about that topic for that particular point in time. 

Nevertheless, it is always advisable to explore varieties of genres one after the other. It gives an insight into every topical issue surrounding human existence.

Talking about existence, I have a feeling I'm suffering from an existential crisis. I have had the symptoms play over and over again. Right now, I can't seem to make sense of life. I should see a doctor soon. The point is that reading has kept me sane and has helped me to manage it.

What I love about book reading isn't just about the way I deeply love and root for a character who is just an image in my head, not just how it took me around all cultures, countries and tribes my legs might never take me to, not the deep understanding or relatable experience on how the society works, but about the creativity that resides in writing. The formation of words to make something as wonderful as a whole book leaves me awestruck.

Isn't it funny how you can take up the action, legacies and names of your favourite characters?  How do you deeply wish for the downfall of one, and how do you see yourself in another? You know I read certain three books that have since left a significant impact on my life (they are 4 now as I am on the fourth as I write this piece). 

Don't get me wrong, I have read many books and I have my favourite ones too. But they are not the ones that leave these imprints in my life. Best to say I try to compartmentalize them. 

There is something about books for me that I can't find the right words to convey. I am very passionate about building a world that revolves around book reading. And I want children to cultivate the habit of book reading at a younger age. Asides from kids, I want everyone to become comfortable with books. I know what reading books have done for me so I think it's just fair to want that for every growing person. Even if it's not a book (hardcover book; I mean) just read anything...just read.

Although, as a kid, I read a bit I wasn't so much of a reader. I think I write more back then... I have a reading phase and it goes thus:

1. Childhood literature.

2. Secondary school literature.

3. Random books (out of school)

4. Wattpad

5. Actual books, Now I am moving with big authors, and intentional about everything I consume.

This is where I want to be🤩

I don't know a lot of things, fr I don't, because the world constantly remains a mirage to me but I know how to read, I know how to read books to bring out double meanings and hidden messages, including the ones that send electric currents that aren't meant for me down my spine.

If you want to become a good reader, start with topics you enjoy talking about. Hence, you might not enjoy it.

Allow the messages to resonate through you and pick up the lessons.

You just don't read a book, as a matter of fact, reading isn't complete without implementation, application makes reading complete. Think about what you'd do differently.

Remember, readers are not leaders, readers who implement are leaders and reading will get you through tough days.

See you soon

With love, Teni❤