Opinion

Discover a world within pages

A book is not merely paper and ink; it is a gateway to other times, places and lives. In fiction, readers walk alongside characters, feel their emotions, celebrate their moments and discover truths about themselves along the way

In a world aggressively dominated by screens and technology, the silent, everlasting joy of reading books remains a valued and transformative experience. With its crisp turn of a new page, books possess a unique power to captivate, educate and connect people in ways few other mediums can.

The love of reading stems from curiosity, a hunger for stories, knowledge and the ability to see the world through different eyes. A book is not merely paper and ink; it is a gateway to other times, places and lives. In fiction, readers walk alongside characters, feel their emotions, celebrate their moments and discover truths about themselves along the way. In non-fiction, they explore the different aspects of science, history, philosophy, and beyond.

Reading also nurtures empathy. As readers immerse themselves in stories different from their own, they develop a deeper understanding of the world around them. This is why many passionate readers often possess strong emotional intelligence and a greater appreciation for diversity. Books break down barriers and remind us of our shared humanity. Moreover, reading invites us to slow down, to focus, and to be present with our thoughts and imaginations.

Ultimately, the love of reading is not just about entertainment, it is about connection to ideas, to emotions, to others and to ourselves. It reminds us that no matter how much the world changes, the simple act of getting lost in a good book will always hold a place in the human heart.

True joy comes not from what we read, but from how we read. The real difference lies in our attitude towards reading. It has been said that there is a great difference between the eager person who wants to read a book and the tired one who simply wants a book to read.

Books are more than just objects; they are whispered conversations between generations. To love reading is to live a thousand lives without ever leaving your chair. One day, you are chasing shadows across a foggy London street with Sherlock Holmes; the next day, you are drifting through galaxies aboard a starship, your heart tucked firmly between stars. Each chapter is a new heartbeat, and each story is a universe folded between two covers.

For many bookworms, the love of reading began in childhood, sparked by bedtime stories or visits to the library. But it is a love that grows alongside them, evolving with their changing interests and needs. Even books evolve, offering new meanings and insights as readers grow older.

It is said that the perfect sentence can stop time, and a single phrase can stay with you longer than a lifetime. Every word and sentence hold the potential to unlock new thoughts, offer solutions and ignite inspiration. Reading becomes a form of mental exploration, where each turned page is a step into the unknown and a hike towards discovery.

To love books is to know you will never be truly lonely. You carry entire worlds in your bag or pocket. It is to believe in the quiet magic that lives between the lines, always waiting for you to return. As Ernest Hemingway, an American novelist and journalist, once said, “There is no friend as loyal as a book.”

In a world that moves too fast and speaks too loudly, reading offers an invitation to slow down, to listen deeply and to dream. There is a kind of magic hidden in the quiet rustle of turning pages - a spell that requires no wand, only a willing heart and a curious mind. Reading enriches the soul and expands the mind. As Walt Disney, an American animator, film producer, wisely said, “There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”

Abdulaziz Al Jahdhami

The writer is author, translator and a communications professional