From Not Being a Book Person to Falling in Love with Reading

 A Fresh Start: Falling in Love with Reading in 2025

Every new year feels like a blank page—a chance to try something new, learn, and grow. For me, this year is all about rediscovering something I didn’t expect to love: reading. Growing up in Hong Kong in the 1970s to 1990s, books were expensive, and reading wasn’t a popular pastime, especially since the previous generation had limited education. With other forms of entertainment and activities taking the spotlight, reading simply wasn’t a priority. But life changes, and so do we.


Last August 2024 that I gifted myself a Kobo Libra Color, which completely transformed my view of reading. Since then, I’ve immersed myself in a world of stories, and I can’t imagine going back. I’m so glad that now, I have the choice to read in both English and Chinese, opening up a whole new world of options. Kobo, as an ebook platform, offers a treasure trove of translated books—works by English-speaking authors in beautifully translated Chinese editions. This wide selection is something I haven’t seen on other platforms like Kindle, and it’s made diving into stories and ideas so much more accessible and enjoyable.


The Joy of a New Gadget


Let’s be honest—getting a shiny new gadget is always exciting. The Kobo Libra 2 Color, with its elegant white design and practical features like note-taking, felt like the perfect addition to my daily life. I love how I can borrow ebooks from my local library or discover new authors without worrying about clutter or cost.


And let’s talk about affordability. Ebooks are so much cheaper than physical books, which means I can explore without hesitation. It’s made me realize that reading doesn’t have to be an expensive habit—it can be simple and rewarding.



How Reading Changed My Perspective


What surprised me most about reading is how much it helps me reflect on life. Books have a way of giving clarity and inspiration, even when you’re not actively looking for answers. They’ve helped me untangle thoughts, shift my mindset, and even approach challenges with a little more grace.


There’s also something special about how reading activates your imagination. Unlike watching videos, where everything is laid out for you, books leave space for your mind to create. It’s like a workout for your brain, sparking creativity and helping you think in new ways.


Books vs. Screens: Why Reading Feels Better


In a world full of screens and endless content, picking up a book feels refreshing. Don’t get me wrong—I enjoy watching YouTube like anyone else. But I’ve realized that videos are great for quick entertainment, while books offer depth and focus.


When you dive into a book, you’re not just skimming information—you’re engaging with it. You’re thinking, imagining, and connecting. It’s a different kind of satisfaction, one that leaves you feeling enriched rather than drained.


2025: A Year to Read More


For me, 2025 is about embracing reading as a way to grow, reflect, and enjoy life a little more. One book that profoundly impacted me in 2024 is I May Be Wrong: And Other Wisdoms from Life as a Forest Monk by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad.  This inspiring and touching story offers deep insights into understanding oneself and our mind. I highly recommend not missing out on this book.


Whether it’s diving into a novel, learning something new, or simply escaping into another world for a while, books have brought so much to my life already. If you’re looking for a new habit to pick up this year, why not give reading a try? It’s never too late to start, and who knows—you might just fall in love with it, too.


Here’s to a year of discovery, imagination, and turning the page—one book at a time.


(This post is not sponsored or an advertisement)



Note: This post is not sponsored or an advertisement; all opinions are my own.



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