Being found by books...

My curiosity about different topics has often led me to explore more books than I can count, and more often than not, I have felt ‘found’ by the book at the exact moment in my life when I needed it — of course I only find this out after I’ve started or finished reading it. I wonder if this is my experience alone. Maybe it’s divine timing, or maybe our subconscious was already searching for its wisdom, and - in the case of fiction - its levity.

I find the idea that books choose us an incredibly beautiful perspective, which ties into my belief of the universe looking out for us and offering us what we need when we need it. In the case of books, their titles serve as mirrors almost, which resonate with our inner worlds, struggles, aspirations. This resonance, to me, feels serendipitous, as though whichever higher power we believe in is reaching out but only when we’re ready to receive their message.

Titles hold power. They encapsulate the essence of the book and appeal to something personal within us. Think about it - a title like ‘The 7 Habits of Highly Effective people’ might attract someone seeking frameworks for aligning habits and values, while a title like ‘the midnight library’ (fiction) may appeal to someone reflecting on life’s “what-ifs” and on exploring alternate paths. While I might not judge a book by its cover, its title and description have played the greatest parts in nudging me to pick it up depending on my mindset at the time. Even books we dismiss at first can choose us at a later time. A once unremarkable title might suddenly leap out when circumstances shift, reinforcing the crucial role that our perception of the world plays in how we engage with literature. For example, during a period of introspection, “Maybe you should talk to someone” reached me; the title felt like an invitation reminding me of the power of vulnerability and asking for help, and understanding myself through the lens of my relationships. These books which “choose” us and align with us meaningfully, stay with us longer. It’s like a dialogue with destiny which validates our emotional and intellectual connections.

This idea also adds a layer of synchronicity to life - books cross our paths when we’re at crossroads (which we often are), seeking guidance, shifting perspectives, and making decisions. Perhaps we stumble upon a novel which mirrors our life circumstances, or helps us escape them, or a self-help book which articulates struggles we couldn’t quite name. To me, these moments suggest that our subconscious is at work, guiding our energy towards what our attention in life is most on. Ultimately, this idea reframes books as more than just static objects — as living entities which are capable of meeting us where we are and nudging us towards where we’re meant to go.