When I was young, my mom often took the three of us to the library. While we explored the shelves, she would tell stories to other kids. Yes, she’s a storyteller mom — and that’s where my love for books began.

Since then, I’ve discovered so many amazing worlds inside books — novels, history, biographies, poetry, and science. I can’t even remember them all. Books have been my greatest treasures.

In my hardest times — like when I played basketball and people thought I wasn’t good enough, or later at work when no one seemed to agree with my ideas — books encouraged me. They helped me believe in progress, patience, and possibility.

Sometimes I felt misunderstood or stuck in uncomfortable situations, and honestly, I still do at times. But I’ve grown more open-minded now. Books helped me step out of my tiny world and see life’s beautiful, wide landscape.

I’m 30 now, and I’ve kept this reading habit since elementary school. It’s still the coolest thing I’ve ever found — and I love it more and more every day.