Chapter 1: My Book Collection

This snapshot captures only a fragment of my bookshelf. Just wait until you see the rest of my house!

Let me share a little secret: I have a serious book addiction. Whether it’s thrift shops, regular bookstores, garage sales, eBay, or Amazon—especially when I spot a collection—I embark on a quest to find, purchase, and immerse myself in more books.

Why do I indulge in this? I might have some ideas. But will I continue this pursuit even without clear reasons? Absolutely.

I: The Need for Engagement

As a homeschooler, my schedule is quite different from that of traditional students. Instead of spending a couple of hours commuting and seven hours in school, I enjoy a more flexible routine with just a few hours of lessons each day.

This time difference creates a significant gap—five extra hours each week can feel monumental. To avoid wasting my time scrolling through social media or aimlessly daydreaming, I engage in various hobbies and join groups to stay productive. Among my favorite activities is reading and acquiring even more books.

It's an affordable habit (unless you’re like me), it nourishes the mind and soul, it's easy to amass a sizable collection, and it effortlessly fills my time—especially when diving into works by beloved authors or in preferred genres.

However, my motivation to read extends beyond mere time-filling.

II: A Quest for Knowledge

Since gaining awareness, I’ve always been eager to learn about life—its mundane truths and captivating mysteries draw me in equally.

Books offer the most accessible and cost-effective gateway to this knowledge. With a glance at my bookshelf, I can explore the lives and worlds of countless individuals. Whether fiction or nonfiction, whimsical or practical, concise or elaborate, old or new, each book represents an essential piece of information that I crave.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of reading is experiencing diverse perspectives and emotions. If I seek wisdom, I turn to "The Art of War." For a dose of gratitude about my current life, I might read works by S.E. Hinton. If curiosity strikes, Orwell’s narratives await. When seeking guidance on spirituality, I find endless resources.

There’s a book for every thought or feeling, and my insatiable appetite for reading ensures I keep collecting more.

III: A Transformative Choice

As I’ve noted in previous reflections, I’ve overcome a phase of gaming and social media addiction that negatively impacted my mental state.

What better remedy than immersing myself in the world of books? Reading allows me to lose track of time without guilt. I never question the value of my reading moments.

Picking up a book for just a minute proves far more enriching than scrolling through my phone for an hour. Reading not only propels my growth as a writer but also helps me avoid the pitfalls of my past lifestyle.

If you haven’t yet embraced reading beyond articles, I strongly encourage you to start. It’s not merely a mental indulgence but a way to gain clarity and appreciate the beauty of life.

Reading isn’t just a good idea; it’s the best choice I’ve made.

Closing Thoughts

My passion for reading is intense. From hunting for new titles to enjoying every page, reading has woven itself into the fabric of my daily routine.

Whether I’m savoring a few pages while dinner cooks or engrossed in hundreds of words, I always find time to read—and take joy in it.

Before you go, feel free to leave a few applause and share your thoughts. Have a wonderful (and well-read) day!

Chapter 2: The Power of Recommendations

In this first video, titled "I paid a book expert to recommend me books... and then I read them year of recs ep1," you’ll discover the joy and excitement of receiving personalized book suggestions from a professional.

The second video, "Stocking up on new stationery (as if I don't already have plenty) Journal Vlog," showcases the fun of collecting stationery supplies, even for those who already have an abundance!