The day I realized

Believe it or not, I used to dislike reading books. I would get bored of them too quickly and just gave up on them. My family used to always encourage me to read books, but I never listened to them. Ironically, when they stopped encouraging me, I started to read. At a young age, all we wanted to do was go outside and play! No one had the time to sit inside and read. It’s like doing homework in the summer. Now, everything has changed. Instead of going outside, I’d rather stay inside and read.  

My oldest brother was the one who always wanted me to read. Here’s a little funny story. Back in grade school, we got these Scholastic papers where we could order some items. I loved everything they sold, but one thing caught my eye the most. It was a pink box with feathers around it and inside was pencils, a mini notebook and other things. My oldest brother told me that he would buy it for me on one condition: I have to buy a book and read it. I dreaded the thought but I accepted. Once I got the book, I put it aside and never read it. My brother doesn't know this yet (shh, don’t tell him). I still have it on my bookshelf, sitting there, untouched. It was a book by Tony Di Terlizzi called Les Chroniques de Spiderwick : Le Secret de Lucinda.

I never discovered my passion for reading until the start of high school. My friends would tell me of the different books they read and it interested me. In my grade 9 English class, we had to read the first book of the Harry Potter series. I wasn't happy because at the time I hated Harry Potter, although I didn't even know what it was about (yes, I judged a book by its cover). I thought to myself that it shouldn't be that bad, so I’ll give it a try! Of course after reading it I fell in love. I decided to read the rest of the series. Also, I decided never to judge a book by its cover.

It was at that time I realized that I loved to read and get lost in books. Also, I loved fantasy because they were very creative and full of excitement. It may seem like a “nerdy” thing to do, but it’s not. Reading is much more than that. Not only is reading fun and exciting, it can teach you so much! It enhances your vocabulary, opens up your imagination and shows you the world in many different perspectives.

So, whenever you don’t want to try something because it seems boring, then try it! You’ll never know, it could probably be the best thing that ever happened to you.