Today, there aren't that many people who read books. Sure, there are a couple here and there but not as many as there used to be years ago. I think that anyone can tell that technology has taken over a lot of things and is changing a lot of people. Instead of picking up a book when someone is bored, they pick up the remote and turn on the television.

There are people who read but don't enjoy it, and they may only do it for a school assignment or a job. I understand the importance of that, but that is not all what books are for. Books are for exploring a world other than our own, taking a step away from reality and experiencing new things. Yes, people may argue that the same thing can as easily happen in a television show or a movie, but in a book, it is completely different.

That is what I love about reading. It takes me to a different place, and it allows me to experience the events as or with the main character. It is one of the best feelings in the world. Discovering books in general has changed my life in ways I didn't even know was possible. I can't even imagine my life without reading today. It is my escape, and it is practically my home when I need it to be. The worlds made within each book that isn't our own allows me to explore things and places that I would not be able to experience in our own world. The descriptions of people and places gets my mind to create its own version of the setting and the characters. When reading, I am able to live another person's life. The main character is their own person, and I become that person when I read. I take on their life challenges and obstacles.

On the other hand, there are people that do not understand the rush — the feeling that I get when I read. People do not understand why reading and books are so important to me because they don't read themselves. When people ask me, "What is your hobby?" or "What do you do in your free time?" I tell them that I read. I see the face they make and the feelings they are trying to suppress from me. Some people think I am weird, and they label me as a nerd (even though "nerd" does not bother me too much) because I read books.

The thing is, though, I don't care that people may think that reading is boring, useless or a complete waste of time. I don't believe that at all. I think reading is eventful, useful and completely worth my time. I honestly wouldn't have a hobby if it wasn't for reading.

Also, from my love of reading came another passion and that is writing. When I was reading books a couple years ago, I always thought to myself: I would love to be able to create something like this. What better idea would there be than to create new worlds and characters myself?

Reading has brought me joy and on so many roller coasters of emotions. From shipping my favorite couples to imagining epic fight scenes, reading is an amazing thing. It is OK if someone doesn't agree, because other people may not see what I see and experience what I experience. I am a proud book nerd, and I will never change.