I’ve always loved reading, though when I was younger, my preferences leaned heavily toward articles and non-fiction. Growing up, my grandmother played a big role in nurturing this habit. She had a daily routine of reading newspapers every morning, and I’d watch her with fascination. She also loved pocketbooks filled with short stories, though some were far too mature for me at the time. Back then, she borrowed or rented these books, and they became my early exposure to the joy of storytelling. I think that’s where my love for it began. 

I didn’t realize how expensive books were until high school when I wandered into a bookstore and saw the price tags on comic books and horror novels I desperately wanted. In my rural hometown, the local library didn’t have a wide selection that matched my tastes. So, I adapted, teaching myself to enjoy what was available, even if it wasn’t my first choice.

When I first started reading books seriously, I gravitated toward non-fiction, mainly on topics like finance. No one recommended them; I’d simply judge a book by its cover (guilty!) and dive in if it seemed interesting. Growing up, I never owned a cellphone until I moved to Japan to study, and my dad gave me one. That’s when I discovered Wattpad—a treasure trove of free sci-fi stories. I consider myself lucky to be part of the first generation to experience that. Of course, stories on Wattpad are no longer free, but I understand why; writers deserve to be compensated for their work.

Even today, buying books feels like a luxury, but it’s a splurge I’m willing to make because of the joy they bring me. However, having an e-reader has been a game changer. It’s more affordable, and convenient, and allows me to access a variety of stories wherever I go. It wasn’t until recently that I fully realized how much reading has helped me. As a young professional in my mid-20s, I had little time and even less money for books. Now, with the time and resources I have, I’m able to read more—and it has profoundly changed me.

Through these stories, I’ve explored new worlds, learned about different cultures, and gained insights that challenge my beliefs, provoke my thoughts, and improve my overall taste in so many aspects of life. The experience of reading books is nothing short of magical. To be able to experience other cultures and ideas through the worlds these stories create is transformative. Reading these stories whether fiction or non-fiction, has taught me to empathize with characters, to walk in their shoes, and sometimes even relate to their experiences. They’ve allowed me to understand people and myself in ways I never could before. It’s this blend of imagination and understanding that makes reading such a premium-quality source of joy. Reading provides me with what I like to call “premium dopamine.”

I’ve stopped hating and judging people because I’ve learned to see situations from multiple angles. I’ve also stopped being so hard on myself. Instead of condemning myself for past mistakes, I now see them as part of my story—just like in books, where even the messiest chapters can lead to a meaningful ending. Books have given me hope that, like in the stories I read, my life can have a meaningful ending. Maybe not a happy one, but certainly one that matters.

True intelligence, I’ve realized, is not about accumulating knowledge—it’s about learning from experiences and extending grace to others by not judging their decisions or the lives they choose to live. Everyone has their own story, and understanding that makes all the difference.

We’re all part of one story, and reading has taught me to appreciate the unique arcs of everyone’s journey. As for mine, I want it to be wonderful. And, whenever possible, I want to write the kind of ending I can be proud of.