Around the world in eighty days

I recently heard in a radio news program that the percentage of people who read because they actually love (or like) it has been decreasing over the years. Yes, people have been reading books, magazines, newspapers…but they do so because they have to. And nowadays, reading has become more of a need than a want.

I love reading. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve come to love sitting somewhere quiet (sometimes munching chichiria) and just being lost in whatever I was reading! Reading stimulates the mind…it not only makes our brains running, it also puts something into our brains. Let me tell you a little bit of the things reading has done for me:

I’ve was able to “go” to so many places, like Canada, the United States, Rome, France, Hogwarts, Middle Earth, Narnia, the outer space, and a lot, lot more. I’ve “met” presidents, heroes, celebrities, and even wizards, talking animals, and fairies. I’ve “experienced” bungee jumping, racing cars, parachuting, and flying. I “know” how to cook paella, sew a gown, make an eight knot, fix a car, assemble an aircon, and even make a bomb! I’ve “competed” in marathons, “joined” pie-eating contests, and “watched” duels! I’ve “been” to war, in prison, and to heaven. I’ve "had" breast cancer, AIDS, and multiple sclerosis. I was “there” when the petroleum jelly was discovered, when Jose Rizal was executed, when the first human being stepped on the moon, and when Princess of the Stars sunk. I’ve "seen" the Mona Lisa, the Sistine Chapel, and the Eiffel Tower. To summarize, I’ve been around the world not in eighty days but in eighty minutes.

I wouldn’t have experienced all of these and many more others if I have not picked up my first book and read and actually love it. So I hope that the number of people who love to read will increase again and get to see the wonders that reading can do for them.