TEN REASONS WHY I LOVE TO READ

Reading is one of, if not my most, favourite thing to do. It’s been a huge part of my life ever since I can remember, and because I spend so much of my time devoted to it, I thought it was about time I share ten reasons why I love to read!

1. To escape. With all the stresses of university, work or just life in general, getting stuck into a good book can provide a fab escape. You can put yourself in someone else’s shoes for a little bit, get sucked into a new world and just let yourself run wild.

2. Educational. I wholeheartedly attribute my writing skills to my years of reading. For as long as I can remember, reading has been my go to activity. My family and I frequented the library and book shops pretty often, and the book loving bug definitely got passed down from generation to generation. Without it, I don’t think I’d possess the skills or knowledge that I do today!

3. The people. The book loving community really is awesome. It’s full of like minded people who you can have endless discussions with who totally understand your undying love for Rhysand (heh heh). I’ve also met three of the most amazing people through book blogging this year, Aisling of Aisling’s Beauty Bytes, Emily of Bambi’s Blogs and Emma of Emma’s Bookery. Not only do we spend a lot of time fangirling, they’re also the most supportive and understanding group of girls and I’ve spoken to them every day for almost two months now!

4. Creativity and imagination. I think without reading, my dreams and ideas would be pretty dull. I don’t know about you, but after I’ve read a particularly good book, I can replay scenes in my head like I’ve just watched a film. I love it.

5. Improves moods. There’s just nothing quite like reading to really cheer me up. Especially after you read an amazing scene that you just want to scream about and tell everyone, or when that couple FINALLY get together.

6. Booktube. Who else finds themselves hours deep into watching somebody organise their book shelves – hands up? I owe a lot to Booktube, without it I would never have come across some of the amazing books I own, and I’m sad it took me so long to find it.

7. The comfort. Books + bed/sofa/chair + blanket + hot drink = bliss. Need I say more?

8. The aesthetics. Sometimes I like to just sit and stare at my bookcase lovingly. Other times I want to fling all of the books off the shelves into a (carefully arranged of course) pile and re-organise it from scratch. One thing is for sure though, books look bloody great.

9. Fangirling. Ah, the Fangirl. Defined by Urban Dictionary as “a rabid breed of human female who is obsessed with a fictional character”. Hard to disagree really. I spend 80% of my life fangirling. Whether it’s through buying book related merch, sending fan art back and forth in an aptly named “Rhysand and Cats” Whatsapp group chat or simply declaring “I JUST CAN’T” at every book related tweet I see, I am a Fangirl. And proud.

10. The book hangovers. I’ve suffered a fair few of these in my life, and each and every time they are devastating… but oh so worth it. The bittersweet feeling of loving a book so much, that nothing else will ever compare. A Court of Mist and Fury, I’m looking at you!