Falling Back in Love with Books as an Adult

Have you ever lost a part of yourself and wondered if you’d ever get it back? For me, that was my love of reading.

As a child, books were my escape, my adventure, my joy. I’d get lost in stories for hours, turning pages late into the night with a flashlight under the covers. But somewhere along the way—between school, work, responsibilities, and the constant distractions of adulthood—I stopped reading. At first, I didn’t notice. Then, one day, I realized it had been months, maybe years, since I had read for fun.

The moment I picked up a book again, it felt like reuniting with an old friend. But reading as an adult has been a different experience—it’s not just about the stories anymore; it’s about what they give me:

?? A Mental Escape: Books allow me to step out of my daily stressors and into new worlds, even if just for a few minutes a day. ?? Audiobooks Count! I used to think listening to a book wasn’t “real reading,” but I’ve realized it’s just another way to experience the magic of storytelling. Audiobooks have helped me fit books into my life when sitting down to read feels impossible. ?? Expanding My Perspective: Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, books deepen my understanding of the world, other people, and even myself.

Some of my recent favorites include Lessons in Chemistry, The Dictionary of Lost Words, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow. Each of these books resonated with me in different ways—some made me think, others made me feel deeply, and all of them reminded me why I love reading.

Rekindling my love for books has been one of the best things I’ve done for myself. If you’ve drifted away from reading, I encourage you to pick up a book and give it another shot. You might just rediscover a part of yourself you didn’t realize was missing.

For my full reading list and insights, visit my website: https://realfocuslifecoaching.net/post/falling-back-in-love-with-books-as-an-adult

?? What book has changed your perspective recently? Let’s talk in the comments!