Bookworm or book lover – which category do you fall under?

From a young age, I’ve always had a love for books. Whether it was picture books or interactive (lift the flap) books like the classics ‘The Very Hungry Caterpillar’ and ‘Dear Zoo’. As I grew older, my book preferences adapted to whatever stage of life I was in; a specific book series which stuck with me through the second half of my primary school years was the ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ series by Cressida Cowell. This series opened my eyes to the fantasy genre with its thrilling plot lines and intricate world building. The books largely influenced my creativity when it came to original pieces of writing for my English classes, it was a constant source of inspiration.

It wasn’t until secondary school when I discovered the ‘A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder’ series by Holly Jackson when my taste in books started to expand and develop, I moved away from older children’s fantasy and into something more mature like teenage crime fiction. With my newly expanded book knowledge, I was able to have a better comprehension of my school subjects other than just English. My vocabulary and writing structure started to be more advanced, my own personal interests followed the same route. One book series in particular which has helped me have a clearer understanding of who I am, is ‘Heartstopper’ by Alice Oseman. With the plot of the graphic novels having British teenagers going through the stages of school and eventually college whilst discovering themselves along the way, I was able to connect to the characters and delve deeper into the person I was becoming. Now, as a college student, I am more comfortable in myself and can talk openly with my friends and family about my self discovery with the help of Nick & Charlie. Literature really started to take a hold on me, and it guided me onto the path I am on today which is hopefully a future career in journalism.

Although reading is just a hobby for both myself as well as others, it has so many added benefits. For example, having the escapism of a book can be relaxing and ease the pressures of everyday life. Reading doesn’t just increase your creativity or enhance your knowledge; it is also known as a simple but effective way to improve one’s mental health. Losing yourself in the carefully crafted paragraphs of either a young adult fantasy or new adult modern romance can transport you into a literary wonderland; reading is a freeing experience, it is for anyone and everyone. 

If you’re not sure which genre of book you want to dive into, why not take a trip to your local independent bookshop and have a chat with the very knowledgeable staff. My local bookshop in Wallingford is a welcoming environment for all types of readers; young or old, new or experienced – it never hurts to browse the bookshelves.