How I Started My Reading Journey

After my 10th board exams, I began my reading journey. The first book I ever read was “The Three Mistakes of My Life” by Chetan Bhagat. It took me almost a month to complete because it was my first real reading experience. At that time, even finishing a few pages felt difficult. But after one month, I finally completed the book, and that small achievement meant a lot to me.

Even after finishing it, I didn’t have the confidence to pick up another book. However, funnily and unexpectedly, I chose “Can Love Happen Twice?” by Ravinder Singh. I had no idea what the book was about; I simply started reading it. This time, something had changed. I completed it in just 20 days. I had clearly progressed compared to the first time.

After that, I didn’t read a single book for seven months. Then suddenly, I realized that reading was one of the best habits I could gift myself. That’s when I decided to continue my reading journey, not because it was easy, but because it helped me grow.

The third book I chose to read after a seven-month break was “Just Friends” by Sumrit Shahi. It was gifted to me by my cousin. Once again, it took me almost a month to complete because I also had my academic books and studies to focus on. Managing school and reading together was not easy, but slowly I began to enjoy the process. I started making time for reading instead of waiting to find time.

The fourth book I picked up was “2 States: The Story of My Marriage” by Chetan Bhagat. This time, I read it with full focus and understood it completely on the first go. I completed it in almost two weeks. I could clearly see my improvement both in speed and understanding.

When I entered 12th standard, I read only two books that year since it was my board year and one of the most important phases of school. The books I read were “Half Girlfriend “by Chetan Bhagat and “One Night @ the Call Center” by Chetan Bhagat.

Initially, I was mostly drawn to romance novels and preferred Indian authors because their writing style felt easier for me to understand. But unknowingly, with every book, I was building a habit that would slowly become an important part of my life.

When I entered college during my graduation days, I started reading multiple books, and my interest in writing began to grow day by day. Slowly, I decided to explore foreign authors as well. The first international book I read was “P.S. I Love You” by Cecelia Ahern. It took me a little time to understand the writing style, but reading that book was truly an amazing experience. It opened a new world of storytelling for me.

After that, I decided to step out of my comfort zone of romance novels. The first book I chose outside that genre was The Kashmir Shawl by Rosie Thomas. It is one of the softest and most soothing novels I have ever read. The emotions, the setting, and the depth of the story made it a beautiful reading experience.

With every book, I wasn’t just becoming a better reader, but I was slowly becoming a writer too.

Along with reading, I also started writing poetry both in English and Hindi. That’s how a small habit can slowly and beautifully transform you. What began as a simple attempt to finish one book gradually turned into a passion for both reading and writing.

By the end of my graduation, I was deeply involved in reading and had made it a meaningful and beautiful part of my life. It was no longer just a hobby; it had become a companion, a teacher, and a source of growth.

When I entered my post-graduation, I had become a little wiser and more mature in understanding things. I remember how I started finishing books within a week, sometimes even less. That’s when I truly realized how much I had transformed as a reader.

My reading habit changed me in ways I had never imagined. It improved my understanding, patience, vocabulary, imagination, and even my perspective toward life. I am genuinely thankful to myself for starting this journey early. It wasn’t easy in the beginning, but I stayed consistent and slowly turned it into a lifelong habit.

Today, I proudly continue to read. I now have a personal collection of more than 100 novels and books. I prefer the physical touch of books, the feeling of holding them, turning the pages, and marking my favorite lines rather than reading digitally. For me, books are not just stories; they are memories, growth, and a part of who I have become.

Reading is one of the most beautiful habits one can have. Cherishing it daily gives you a sense of growth, peace, and self-connection. It shapes your thoughts, strengthens your imagination, and quietly transforms your personality.

Take your time with it. Start slow, be patient with yourself, and allow reading to become a beautiful part of your journey. One small habit, practiced consistently, can change you in ways you never expected.Write your text here...