Joyce Carol Oates once said, “Reading is the sole means by which we slip, involuntarily, often helplessly, into another’s skin, another’s voice, another’s soul.” I think that’s important because it’s so true and it brings realization into how reading may help others that are dealing with tough times or just needs a break from their life and wants to go into someone else’s. One of the things I love the most about reading is that everyone can find a different genre that allows them to escape into the book.

Genres are different categories characterized by different styles. There are so many different books that you can find and hopefully love. A popular genre is romance and some of the qualities are love, tension, a hero, and an emotional connection. Some of the Romance books I found interesting from our library are, Accidental Love -Gary Soto, If I Was Your Girl – Meredith Russ, Ashes to Ashes – Melissa Walker.

One of the things that I really love about reading is that there are different ways to read books. Some people like to go for the original paper books. One of the things I like about paper books is that you can go to the EMS library or even the Emporia Public Library and easily get books! Another way to read is online. I like to read Fan fiction online because I can read about my favorite movie, I can read other people’s work, and maybe improve my writing skills too! The last way to read is audio books. I like this way because I can be doing the dishes or working outside and I can listen to my book at the same time!

I love reading because it helps me relax and calm down. Sometimes if I have a bad day I can sit down with my favorite book and get lost in the plot and get sucked into the pages. Another reason I read a lot is because it can help pass time! If I were to have to wait an hour until I had an appointment, I could sit down with my book and after a while, it would be time to go and I wouldn’t even know that it had been that long. Sometimes when I’m nervous for a test and I have 30 minutes to kill, I sit down and read on my phone so I can relax and the time will go by faster. I also like reading because I get to experience other people’s work and explore other people’s imagination.

Reading is awesome and maybe if you find what book interests you, you will grow to like it! If you ever find a book you like and want to know other peoples opinions on it go check out good reads at: https://www.goodreads.com/ . If you are struggling with getting a book and want to know how to get a free book that is accessible during the school day go to https://search.follettsoftware.com/metasearch/ui/61718 for a book from our school library! The website includes all the books in the EMS library and a summary with different genres. Be sure to go to the library and find a genre and book that fits you!