Nowadays, it's so easy to be wrapped up in our iPhones and electronic devices, that people have often forgotten the satisfaction of reading a good old fashion book. I am a book lover myself, personally owning stacks upon stacks of books, but I also am perhaps over-dependent on my cell phone and computer. Now I know that electronic books are saving trees and are more space effective or whatever, but there's something special about having a physical book that you can't compare to an iPad, Nook, or Kindle.

1. There's nothing like reading an old book

And no I'm not talking about the classics, I'm talking about a physically old book. There's something amazing about reading a novel that was bound 50 years ago or older. When reading a used book, especially a really old used book, I can't help but wonder, who were the people who held this book before me? These types of books hold stories and not just the text that's written.

2. The smell

I don't know what it is, but there really isn't anything that is comparable to the smell of a book when you first open it. There is actually a book-scented candle for sale on Etsy.

3. The sense of accomplishment

Reading a book takes time and patience, but really a huge classic novel takes much more. However, there is a certain sense of satisfaction what comes with finishing a long novel such as War and Peace, Moby Dick, Les Miserable (which yes is what the musical is based on), or any of Jane Austen's novels.

4. They can be used for other uses

Now a structure such as this is one of the most impressive uses of book, for something other than reading, I have seen, but we all don't have the time or the pure quantity for creating a fort of books. I have personally used books as coasters, decoration, lifts, used for art pieces, used to build a shelf, even if necessary a defensive device against a possible attacker, the possibilities are endless!

5. Great examples of good and bad writing

If you are hooked on a book, that is great examples of good writing. I've always been told if you like a book, notice how it's written, the structure, the types of words used etc, and the same goes for a book you don't like as much. Take what you read as a lesson on how you write personally because let's face it, we all have to write something and some point.

6. Libraries and Bookstores

Libraries are great because it's basically a test drive for a book. You essentially rent a book for X-amount of days and if you don't like it you don't loose anything. A bookstore is probably one of my favorite places in the world. It's an amazing place where you can find a book on practically any topic you could imagine. In a bookstore most of the inventory is new, and you can find books similar to your favorite when you least expect it. I love wandering around a bookstore just looking for my next adventure.

7. Lending books

There is something fun about sharing a book with somebody else!

8. Each new book is its own adventure

Books are a great form of entertainment, and it gets you to unplug from your devices for a bit. Some of the most exciting quests ever to be taken, the most dramatic deaths to occur, and the greatest loves ever told have been done so through books. The adventures of Frodo and Sam were first told through the Lord Of The Rings books of Tolkien, Elizabeth Bennett and Mr. Darcy fell in love through Austen's Pride and Prejudice, and the Harry Potter series by J.K Rowling were all books before they were created into movies. Reading creates and escape and the characters take you on an adventure of their own.

9. Physical pages

People may not agree with me on this, but there's a small sense of familiarity to a book that has its corners dog-eared. There's also immense satisfaction personally, to turn the pages of a book while reading it, instead of swiping.

10. Nostalgia

Books hold so many of our memories. I remember growing up and having my dad read me a story every night. Even to this day, Jan Brett's illustrated version of Clement Moore's The Night Before Christmas is read each Christmas eve by the family before we sleep. Each book that I have is well loved, and it's shown through the stains from chip grease, cheese puff residue, actual tears, finger imprints, dog-eared pages, and worn covers. It was through books where I first strongly felt and emotional connection to the character, where I learned to read, where I spent so much of my time imaging the adventures to be had. I believe everyone, adults, teens, and the kids of the digital age needs to at some point put down their phones and electronics and pick up a physical book. Experience the magic of reading!

Books gave me characters to aspire to be, loves dreamt to be had, and adventures just waiting to leap off the page. Being an only child, books were sometimes my major form of entertainment. Books also gave me something to connect with people about. I will always be a reader, and although I don't have too much time to read for pleasure, that will never stop me from buying more books... I will catch up one day!