This is what wikipedia had to say about a book:
"A book is a set of sheets of paper, parchment, or similar materials that are fastened together to hinge at one side ."
Is it just that? Are books just sets of sheets of paper? I don't think so. Books are so much more than that. There is a whole new world in between those pages. When you open one, you are magically transferred to that world. You can feel the happiness, pain, blithe and sorrow. Books can induce all kinds of feelings in you. Hell, even text books can gauge a reaction from you. They make you fall asleep, don't they?
To some people, ones who are trapped in harsh reality of life, books are a way of liberating themselves. Books not only enhance imagination, they inspire people to dream. I can't imagine a world without books. Forget that, I can't sleep in peace if I don't read something that day. With development in the world of technology, we have started replacing paperbacks with ebook readers like kindle and more. While these tend to harm our eyesight, paperbacks don't. Also, the feeling of reading a paperback while drinking coffee and relaxing is entirely different, isn't it?
Reading books not only reduces stress, but also expands vocabulary, increases knowledge and fills you with a sense of peace. It never is a waste of time. Even literary works increase your knowledge. When I read classics like 'Jane Eyre' and 'Wuthering Heights' written by the Brontë sisters, I learnt a great deal about late 19th century countryside Britain.
Books are what lead reformers to fight against practices that should never have been started in the first place. dor example, a book written by an American woman about the freedom she experiences will definitely inspire an Indian girl to fight for hers. They not only make us more open-minded but also helps us grow up and think reasonably. Trust me, I am talking from experience. Books have taught more life lessons than I can count.
Every time you find some spare time, just go grab a book and read a few pages. Soon, you will know how it feels to be lost in another world. However, hiding behind them is a bad idea. Some day, you have to face reality. I can assure you that some books make reality better though. You just have to choose the right ones.
If you want me and others here to read a book which you liked, then please comment below. I absolutely love reading and will definitely make time to read it. Thank you.