Between the Pages
January 31, 2025
Writer: Liv Bialek
Editor: Zoe Gellert
Every now and then, I find myself yearning for an escape or a distraction to pull me out of my own thoughts. For years, I curated a growing list of “must-read” books, adding every title that sparked even the slightest interest. Yet, that list sat untouched in my notes app—a silent testament to goals unfulfilled.
As a child, reading felt like a punishment. Being forced to participate in middle school book clubs made my skin crawl. The material rarely interested me, and I was consistently out of sync with my classmates—either falling behind or impatiently racing ahead. I’ve always been a slow reader, often re-reading sentences or pages to absorb the meaning of the words. My struggle with reading comprehension and the rigid structure of school reading assignments made the entire experience unbearable.
Reading—something personal and pleasurable—was reduced to a chore, complete with deadlines, quizzes, and forced discussions. The joy was stripped away, replaced by anxiety and resentment. Watching my family and friends lose themselves in books left me utterly confused. How were they able to find comfort in my overwhelming source of stress?
Over covid, I learned to separate my ‘for fun’ reads from my mandatory assignments, making time for just me. I began carving out space for books I was interested in, about relevant and tangible topics in my life. Most importantly they were unattached to deadlines or academic expectations.
Through this, I discovered the life-changing power of solitude. Learning to sit quietly with myself, book in hand, shifted my perspective on being alone. Most people need peace and quiet to function; however, I saw being alone as some dark, unwanted space in my head. But, when I sat with myself and opened a book, my life changed for the better.
The simple act of turning pages became therapeutic. I’d lose track of time and be transported to worlds far removed from my own. Absorbed by the stories, my worries would dissipate, replaced by curiosity and imagination. Books became more than just entertainment—they became a gateway to other lives, worlds, and possibilities. They offered me a sanctuary and a chance to escape and explore at the same time.
The beauty of books is their endlessness. No matter how many I read, there will always be more to discover. But with that realization comes the sobering truth: life is too short to read them all.
To anyone hesitant about taking time for themselves, please pick up a book. It’s more than a distraction—it is a doorway, a chance to reset, and an invitation to find a piece of yourself in the pages.