Ten thousand, maybe more. That's how many lives I've lived.

I've traveled to the dystopia future of Chicago as Tris Prior, learning that I am Divergent and saving my city.

I have fought in the battle of Hogwarts next to the bravest witches and wizards of our time.

I've journeyed to Fae land of Pyrthian with Tamlin to answer for my miss deeds and learning to love.

How do I do this? The answer is obvious, I read. Having a chronic illness sometimes limits what I can do in my own life. So I live my life through others, through their stories. Sometimes I can't have my own adventures, but when the pain isn't excruciating I am able to read. I become Clay listening to Hannah's audiotapes in 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

I become Charlie in Perks of Being A Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky, navigating my way through high school and the horrors of life

I see through the eyes and live my life in books. It's not because I don't want a life of my own. More than anything I wish that I could. But it's the fact that most of the time with my pain I can barley live my own life. Books keep me inspired, keep me positive, keep me going. Showing me there is more out there than just my disease. As long as there are books and the talented people who write them, I remain hopeful.