I've always enjoyed reading, even as a child. I can vividly remember asking my parents to buy me several Ladybird books because I enjoyed their brevity and the colourful illustrations that encouraged me to draw. Since then, I have read many other books that I can no longer remember. I started reading much bigger novels after secondary school, and at the time I mostly read thrillers and romance books because they were the ones I had access to.

I've also explored different genres as a result of the various book clubs my friends and I created during the holidays while we were in university. At one point, I became interested in self-help, motivational, and business books. I also started building a personal library, and those books now follow me wherever I move.

I am drawn to African literature, mystery and crime, and productivity books. I also read books that promise to help me become better at a skill I find interesting or one I want to improve on, such as writing.

I am now in the habit of reading several books at the same time. I enjoy books that are easy to understand, concise, refreshing, and filled with wisdom that I can apply to different parts of my life.

After much pondering, I have come to the conclusion that the reasons I read are as follows:

• I read to learn.

• I read for entertainment.

• I read to empower myself.

• I read to escape from reality.

• I read for intellectual growth.

• I read to inspire my inner child.

• I read to grow mentally and spiritually.

• I read to question and challenge the status quo.

• I read to connect the dots wherever they may lead.

• I read to learn about the world from perspectives that fuel my imagination.

• I read to arm myself with the materials needed to spark creative ideas.

• I read to discover gems hidden within pages filled with words in black ink.

• I read to experience things through the lens of the writer.

• I read to imagine worlds that extend beyond the boundaries of my own mind.

• I read to be reminded of events from times past that continue to shape the present.

While this list may not be exhaustive, it is enough for now to explain why I read.

So tell me, why do you read?