Turning A Page

I enjoy reading.

I wish it's a habit such that I do not need so much self-reminder to pick a book instead of scrolling through the internet. Once I start though, I get immersed in the story, truly transporting me to somewhere I have never been. It could be fiction or non-fiction, it makes hours go by like no other. A book always make me imagine a world different than mine.

I did not grow up liking reading, somehow the language and vocabulary prove to be a lot of effort that it's not enjoyable as a young adult. The first ever book that made me hooked onto reading was John Grisham's Green Mile. The book captured my imagination and emotions, I sobbed, and sobbed, as I turn the page. One summer afternoon, there was not much to do to school break, I was bored to my wits. My sister just finished it. All through her reading the book I would hear sniffles from the bottom of the bunk bed. It got me curious. And before I knew it, I picked up the book, felt like i was part of the story.

There are books that you can read so fast you want it to not end.

There are books so captivating, you think about the characters way after you closed the book. You talk to them in names, you root for them. You justify and vilify their actions, because by now you are so deep in the story it's impossible to not get carried away.

I have developed the love for reading to improve my writing and speaking skills. It was intentional, conscious effort. Having English as a second language, it is through books that I learned how to navigate social speaking. Occasionally I read books to escape and to enjoy, but sometimes I read books to gain knowledge. To learn how the author tells a story, chapters that somehow misplaced, the flow of words that create melody when spoken. I realized that the author and the reader both must meet where they can communicate. And when that happens, it's magic.

A life well lived is much like a book well written. Those who are browsing and passing by will judge you by your cover. Some of us make it a point to make that cover pop, with color, with bold titles, with textures. To win a glance by a passerby looking for a new read. A good reader knows that the covers and titles does not guarantee a top pick. The best book I have read are either recommended by a dear friend or through my own research or some reviews I have read. I will admit that I have fallen so many times on grabbing a book by its cover.

I am imagining myself as a book. My cover has changed so many times. When I was younger the cover is curated for the passersby. It's nice, it's pleasing to your senses, its color is eye catching, and the title will definitely grab your attention. Mind you, it worked. So many people have picked up this book. But very few have read, so many kept it as a souvenir of friendship, out on display for many to see, but for so many it was never read again, nor revisited. Over the years I learned, to shed the false color, bring the real texture, capture who I am and how I feel at that moment. The book cover of my life. Constant yet evolving on what I call book cover of my life. Over the years, this book have gone through so many adventures, so many chapters, so many new and old characters for all the new and old readers. I had learned how to author my life. Adding characters that bring joy, and twist, and excitement to the story. Bringing back characters, shedding characters, creating settings that will ignite the senses, and editing stories that do not serve the book's purpose.

My readers and my characters are one and the same.

As an author, I wish my readers and characters stay with me. Like a book, it's an honor to be part of their life. To be picked not because of covers, but of the stories we share. This story I am creating are so full of characters. And I thank you as a reader, may you immersed yourself and let me transport you somewhere you have never been, make you feel the joy, the sadness, the excitement, the heartache, and the triumph. I hear the laughter as the stories unfold, I see the tears with our shared aches, to hear the squeal and the cheer of celebrations. A book held, is a book loved. I am writing new chapters, new adventures. I promise to take you with me. My cover will continue to evolve, the stories will continue to be told. And if you choose to put this book in the shelf, I wish for you to put a bookmark where we left off. We may be turning the page separately, but we know where our stories belong.