How A Seagull Taught Me To Read Every Tuesday

Books that helped me appreciate reading

Just like with writing I was a little bit late with reading as well. I was around 16 years old when I finally understood when people say “reading is fun”. Not that I didn’t read when I was younger; I’ve read the Harry Potter books together with the spin-offs growing-up, even until now that I am in my late 20’s. It’s just that yeah, it’s great and easily one my favorites because what’s not to love, right? The thing is it’s the only book that made an impression on me ever since. I tried reading other series or novels, and nothing seems to excite or touch me as Harry Potter did. I don’t know why though? Maybe it’s the child in me back then or I’m just picky or what…

“In the case of good books, the point is not to see how many of them you can get through, but rather how many can get through to you.”-Mortimer J. Adler

It was during freshman year when Jonathan Livingston Seagull was first introduced to me by our teacher, and back then I didn’t take any interest in it; for me, it was just a book I have to read. Now being a good student that I was I “sparked notes” and memorized all the details so I could pass the class; I know… I know I’m not proud of and I do regret. I came across it again when I was about to graduate high school and just in time for the college entrance exams. It is the topic of every discussion at home or school; It was one of the most pressuring moments of my teenage life. I vaguely remember the plot of the books so I said “what the hell, I’ll give it a shot” I figured it might shed some light on my current dilemma so why not? And surprisingly it did!

Look I’m not going to discuss all the important plot points of the books here, but I will share to you guys the thing that I realized when I was reading it back then: We can do more what we can imagine, and even more than what people or our family “deems” or “expected” us to be. We just have to believe in ourselves the most and have a little faith with the Big Guy upstairs. All I can say is that it is a well-written book and that truly you can never judge a book from its cover. It is the type of book that boosts one’s morale,

“Don’t believe what your eyes are telling you. All they show is limitation. Look with your understanding. Find out what you already know and you will see the way to fly.” -Richard Bach

There this one time my friends and I were talking with her, and we asked why she didn’t get married, she said:” Well guys, I’m married to my job” I forgot what discussion went after that, but I clearly remember how she ended it “ A piece of my heart goes to all my students, I will always love guys.” she really did have a special way connecting with her students, and touching their/our lives.

Anyways when I got to read the book she was the first person that popped into my head. She’s the first teacher who believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. That’s why I love this book, it didn’t just remind me of my Math teacher…it reminded me of my second mom. I know that’s not the main theme of the book, but that’s the beauty of reading. You can re-read a book so many times, and still learn new things, and insights.

“Life is a series of pulls back and forth… A tension of opposites, like a pull on a rubber band. Most of us live somewhere in the middle. A wrestling match…Which side win? Love wins. Love always wins”- Mitch Album

So why am I sharing this then? Because we can use social media, watch tv, or even play games, but not take a break and read a book? We live in a world where anyone has access to these pieces of literature, and masterpieces yet here we are taking it for granted. The sad part is, we have already forgotten that there was a time that in our history that reading was a privileged, and only a few can enjoy it; heck it took a long time before women were allowed to read. Now, if you don’t have a favorite book and author start reading and search for one, and I promise you, it will change your perspective about things. Reading, just like writing will open a whole new world for you because it surely did for me.

P.S

If it’s not too much to ask any book recommendation out there? just comment down below, gladly appreciate it!

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