From childhood bedtime stories to finding comfort in literature during life’s challenges

By Sophia Shahani Duran 

As a kid, I always loved reading. I can’t remember a time when I didn’t love it. My brightest memories are of my mother teaching me how to read, pointing out illustrations in the books she brought home and encouraging me to make up stories based on the colourful doodles on the pages. I was always excited for bedtime, as that was when my mom would read to me.

I devoured every page and every illustration, jumping up and down when I set foot in the library. Each time my mom came back with more books, I felt the rush of excitement run through my veins. I would secretly turn on my night lamp once my mom put me to bed and read until my eyes began to close, losing myself in the worlds found between the pages.

As I grew older, my reading taste evolved. I explored longer fantasy series like The Land of Stories by Chris Colfer and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan but my absolute favourite was the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling, which remains one of my most enjoyable and nostalgic reads. There was something about fantasy stories that captivated my younger self. For me, books were portals to magical universes where my problems and fears vanished into thin air. They offered an escape that I held onto deeply.

In 2020, when the pandemic hit and online school began, my life settled into a cycle of waking up and turning on the computer screen every morning. The COVID-19 lockdown gave reading a new meaning — it became my escape, a source of comfort during difficult and lonely times.

As I ran out of physical books on my shelves, I found myself reading online during my classes. Without physical access to a library, I turned to Wattpad, which had grown in popularity during that period. I believe the pandemic created a love-hate relationship with reading. I either consumed stories in a whirlwind or struggled to finish them, often abandoning one book for another.

Throughout this time, my love for storytelling grew. Becoming a writer had been a dream of mine since childhood, and during the pandemic, I took on the challenge of writing a book. I created a science fiction novel inspired by Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Looking back years later, I can see how corny it was, but at the time, I was proud of creating a 300-page book that I eventually self-published on Amazon at the age of 15. It felt like an incredible achievement, even if it was a bit cringey.

Fast forward a bit, I transitioned from fantasy and romance novels to more existential and psychological fiction, diving into works like The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath and The Stranger by Albert Camus. Both remain among my favorite reads.

In high school, my focus shifted to achieving the best grades and boosting my chances of securing a university scholarship. I continued to read and write, but my time for those passions became shorter, as I was also playing basketball five times a week for the school team.

One book that had a deep impact on me was A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara. It still holds a special place in my heart, even though I know I could never bring myself to read it again. A Little Life is one of the most beautiful yet soul-crushing reads that filled me with heartache while changing the way I view my life nowadays. Therefore, reading isn’t necessarily just an escape from reality, but also a chance to change your perspective of life and understand yourself in a deeper way. 

Now that I’ve started my undergraduate studies, I find myself mostly focused on classes and research articles that deepen my knowledge in my field. While I still pick up a book every now and then, it’s not as often as I did in my teenage years. I think my love for reading goes beyond gaining more knowledge or increasing my vocabulary. For me, reading has always provided an escape from the real world and society’s expectations.

As a university student, I believe many of us can relate to the stress we create for ourselves. Reading has always provided me with a momentary break from my thoughts. It’s like stepping into a different reality, where I can experience emotions and adventures that I don’t often encounter in my daily life. Sometimes, that’s exactly what you need when navigating academic pressure. In those moments, a good book may be a sanctuary that allows you to feel comfort and escape.

As I continue my journey through university, I hope that my love for reading sticks with me. Each story I dive into reminds me of the joy and wonder that first sparked my passion for books as a toddler. Whether I’m exploring a new fantasy world, a romantic tale, or profound philosophical questions, reading remains an essential part of who I am. Sometimes, that’s exactly the comfort I need when facing hard times in life.