Getting lost inside the pages of a book is one of my mind's favorite escapes. The black and white print is actually filled with worlds of a million different colors. It's all glorious, whether it be the spine crack and crisp smell of a new book or the friendly, familiar feel of the crinkled pages you've read thousands of times. Good writing is beyond just something to read; it's something to live through, learn from, and immerse yourself in when you need to flee life for a moment.

I started reading at a young age as a very small book worm. As I got older I was more of a book caterpillar, and I believe now I am a fully grown book butterfly (even if that's not quite how their evolution works). As a book butterfly, I find ultimate comfort in reading. I encourage anyone I know to read, as I believe strongly in all the benefits it has to offer.

Reading gives people time to escape from life and enter new worlds of times past, future and imagination. Shared interest in books provides people the opportunity to bond and have amazingly stimulating conversations. Those who read enrich their own banks of knowledge, ideas and creativity. Reading helps comprehension and one's ability to articulate what they think and feel.

Literature has so many morals and lessons to teach. I've learned from the mistakes and journeys of my favorite book characters. Good books have made me love, brought tears to my eyes and smiles to my face.

The art of reading and writing is one that should be cherished. It is also one that some people believe is becoming a lost art form. I disagree with this to every extent. My debit card almost exclusively only has charges from Barnes and Noble, and judging by the size of their lines, I'm not the only one. I make it a point to visit every library and small book shop I can find. I am not the only one searching for these hidden gems. This world is not in the dark. The love for books has not dwindled. We may be in a digital age, but one thing I do know is that technology breaks and books are timeless.

My mother always encouraged me to read, as will I with my future children. Book lovers will continue to raise book caterpillars and slowly watch them grow into book butterflies. Don't lose sight of all that books have to offer. If you've lost the love of reading, stop at a library today and fall in love all over again.