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Petya K. Grady's avatar

Lauren, given the context we are in... we should probably now add -- to dissociate from the dumpster-fire we are in to the list?!

Thank you for including me, I loved reading this so much!

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Thank you for contributing your beautiful experiences and adding so much value to this piece. Yes, I think you're right. There are definitely more reasons to add to this list now. xx

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Martha's avatar

Reading to dissociate is my entire life 😂 it’s the only reason I think I manage to survive 2 years being bed bound

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Petya K. Grady's avatar

Sending so much love. 💔❤️💪

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Martha's avatar

Right back at you for the experience election week - it’s much easier to turn off from that news if you don’t live in the US! ❤️❤️ thinking of all you guys it’s rough out here

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C.M. Grauer's avatar

When I was in 8th grade, we moved to a new state. We’d moved before so that was nothing new, but moving at that age is so hard. I read and re-read every Madeleine L’Engle book my new school’s library. I read so fast that I went to the library every other day to check out a new book. I’m sure I read other things that year (I know I read Gone with the Wind) but it’s the Madeleine L’Engle books that I remember. I was so lonely and miserable that year. Books were my friends, and that’s still how I approach reading even though now it’s also about learning my craft and appreciating writing, too.

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Awww Hannah this is such a beautiful memory, thank you for sharing. Moving at a young age is definitely difficult, I'm so glad you were called to read. 🩷

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Jenovia 🕸️'s avatar

What a gorgeous read! I loved everyone's answers and your reasons spliced in between. Thank you. ❤️‍🔥

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Thanks so much for reading Jenovia. It means a lot 🌼

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Gabi Marszał's avatar

Wow! This article is urged me to reflections. Not only about reading but also about life. Why I read? Because books are created own space by story, advides etc. When I read I forget about today’s world and my life. Books are similary to for example series because it’s also a story and it has a plot twist, but books deeper touch to soul and mind. I think reading about someone’s emotions, in for instance novel, access much more to us when we read about them than spot in real life.

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

So lovely, thank you Gabi!

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Gabriella's avatar

Books as slow art... what a wonderful perspective and one I share. Of course, I am always happy to see our girl Petya here!

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Mmmm, they sure are. Thanks Gabriella ❣️

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ChickLits by Elyse Chambers's avatar

What a balm this is this week!! I love the thoughtful, tender answers. Thrilled to be included, thank you 💚

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Michelle Martin's avatar

Thanks for including me, Lauren! This was such a beautiful piece. It never ceases to amaze me how reading is such a solitary experience but can be such a deep point of connection among us 🤍

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Thank you for sharing your lovely words for this article Michelle. That’s such a good point - reading is a solitary practice that deeply connects us. 🩷

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Martha's avatar

Thank you for asking me Lauren! I enjoyed reading this alot - all the reasons why we read are so interesting! 🩷

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Thank you for sharing so vulnerably and contributing your experiences with how reading has helped you through trying times. I hope it inspires someone else the way it has inspired me. xx

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Lauren Neufeld's avatar

Thank you Elyse! It really did come together at the right time. 🩷

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