“Always.”

This one-word sentence is perhaps the most emotional and heartbreaking line in any book I’ve read so far. Even during my sixth re-reading of "Deathly Hallows," I was teary-eyed during this particular part of the book. In the wake of Alan Rickman’s death this week, I was shocked and sad to realize that the actor that gave life to a character such as Severus Snape is with us no more. Alan Rickman portrayed beautifully the complexity of love – Rickman’s Snape has become one of my most favorite characters from a fictional universe because he is perfectly imperfect. This post is as much a tribute to Alan Rickman as it is a reminder to myself why I love Snape, Harry Potter, and the wonderful universe of books to begin with.

The fact that a character and a novel series influenced me so much is just a major reminder of the magic of reading, and of books. Recently, I have gotten back into the habit of reading for pleasure and I cannot comprehend why I stopped pleasure-reading over the past few months (OK, maybe college happened). I feel like I am growing as a person again now that I have allowed myself to explore worlds hitherto unknown to me through the medium of words and pages.

What I do know for a fact is that all the “successful” people that I know in my life are avid readers. I think it has got something to do with being curious about the world and yourself. Realizing the humbling fact that the world is full of knowledge and experiences just waiting to be engaged with, is what I like to think of as a sign of being “mature.” Books just happen to be the most convenient way to make this interaction between yourself and the world happen.

I was recently talking to a very wise friend of mine who said that books allow you to meditate. They allow you to self-reflect and gain broader perspectives on your life and on things those around you. I could not agree more. And I also believe that reading books in general, and especially books that are outside your comfort zone of ideas is essential to create more empathy within yourself. Exercising empathy by reading is a wonderful way to not only become more self-aware but also learn how to interact better with other people and (basically) everything around you.

A book will not judge you when you pour your heart out to it. A good book is maybe even like a pet – always there to comfort you if you take care of it in return. Books are an investment in your own self. Reading is the cheapest therapy.

As I get ready to immerse myself in the stress of my second semester at Williams, I will make sure to remember that the only thing I need to decompress and put things in perspective is a good book and a cup of something warm to drink. If you have suggestions for good books to read, please do share!