Part 1 I started with a library card
I grew up the oldest of three brothers.
I didn't always lead by example.
I found children's books later than most people do.
I started with a library card.
No free books. No paid reviews.
Just reading because it felt right.
Somewhere along the way the books started coming in.
Then the bookstores.
Then the travel.
Then New York.
I still get nervous.
I still just keep reading.
Follow your book dream whatever it looks like.
You never know where it'll take you
Starting with a simple library card was truly the gateway to a world I might have never discovered otherwise. I remember feeling hesitant at first, unsure if children's books would really capture my interest. But as I kept borrowing and reading, the stories began to resonate deeply, shaping how I viewed the world and my own place in it. The journey from borrowing books at the library to travelling and exploring bookstores has been transformative. I found that every new book brought fresh perspective and sometimes even a sense of courage to pursue my passions. With each page, my collection grew, and so did my confidence. Even now, after moving to New York and experiencing the hustle of the city, I still carry that nervous excitement whenever I dive into a new book or visit a bookstore. It reminds me that no matter where we are in life, reading remains a personal and powerful adventure. For anyone hesitant to start their own reading journey, I encourage you to begin with what you have—be it a library card or a borrowed book. Reading without pressure, simply for the joy and comfort it brings, can open doors to places, ideas, and dreams you never imagined. Just like me, you might find that your love for books takes you to unexpected and wonderful destinations.
What book changed your life