“There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

― Ernest Hemingway

In my younger years I loved to read. I often talk about not having a passion as an adult however, on the contrary, as a child I collected books. I loved the adventures that would line the pages along with beautiful pictures and the smell of the paper.

As a young adult I tried to maintain my love for books however as I have grown older my passion had really died out all together. I would see a book I thought I would like, attempt to read it and then give in and give up.

Because of this, I decided to start a book club last year. Why, I am not sure… I am the most unorganised person around. I don’t like to schedule or plan and I rarely like speaking in larger groups.

I like the book club though because it has forced me to read. Read some books I would never ordinarily read (and most probably wouldn’t read again), books that challenge me and books that have also surprised me.

This experience has also opened up conversation about books, even with people that are not from the book club! These conversations in particular have really given me good insights into where I should spend my reading time.

At the moment I am reading one of those books that really takes you away. I longed for this feeling for such a long time that it feels so strange to finally have it returned! It doesn’t matter where I leave the story – I open that book and I am transported to another time and place.

I think this is the true beauty of story telling and reading. Being able to momentarily leave our time and space and being imaginatively transported to another world. It truly is amazing!

Books have played such an important role in my life. Three authors in particular that I love are Paulo Cohelo, Mitch Albom and Ruiz.

Which authors do you love and why?