Language is universal. Everybody has a way that they can communicate with another person, whether it be by signed, spoken, or written word. These languages and the ability to learn them allow us to find ways to connect with people from all over the world in many different ways. The same can be said for reading. Whether we’re reading a blog post- hello to anyone reading this- a magazine, a book, or something else, by reading that piece, we are connected to another person who is also reading that piece.

One of the best thing about books are that they allow people across the world to become connected in ways they wouldn’t be able to connect otherwise. With the internet existing and allowing us to post on different websites and forums, we are able to connect with other fellow bibliophiles and share our love for our favorite books and authors. These fandoms have allowed people to make new friends and even find their future husband or wife. Reading blog posts, magazines, and other media forms allow us to connect as well, but there is something extra special about books that allow people to connect on a deeper level.

The best example of a book that has connected people across the world is Harry Potter. This series has been translated into over 80 languages with more coming! That means people across the world have had access to this series and are able to go online and talk with others across the world about it. Thanks to translation technology, we could be sitting in our room in Florida talking to someone in Spain about our favorite character or favorite scene from the book. We could be building a friendship with someone we might not have ever met otherwise! And with there being a Wizarding World of Harry Potter in California and Florida plus there being a Warner Brothers Studio Tour in London, it allows fans to travel to these locations, meeting people from all over the world who share their love for Harry and the gang. Harry Potter has taken the word fandom to another level and I for one love every second of it!

Besides the ability to travel to locations within our favorite books and meet new people, one of my favorite examples of how books can connect people together is from my own personal experience. I remember sitting in Journalism class my senior year of high school, not really knowing anyone- or the people I did know I didn’t like. So I was lonely in that class until one day I noticed a girl sitting in the back of the classroom reading New Moon. At that time I was obsessed with the Twilight series, so I grabbed my bag, sat down next to her, and started talking to her about it. I don’t think I even properly introduced myself! But every day after that day I would sit with Kellie and we would talk about anything and everything. Our friendship grew, turning into writing fanfiction together, making up food nicknames for our crushes so they wouldn’t know we were talking about them, going to concerts together, and more. Eleven years she is one of my best friends and like a sister to me… and all of this came to be because of one book. And maybe some people could argue that we still would have ended up as friends at some point, but I don’t think so. Neither one of us really talked to anyone in that class before we started talking to each other and neither of us were the type of people who would just go sit next to someone and talk to them for no reason. So no, I don’t think we would have ended up as friends if it wasn’t for Kellie reading New Moon that day… and I’m thankful she was for more reasons than I can list! So next time you see someone reading a book you love, go over and talk to them. Because taking that chance could lead to a lifelong best friend or maybe even something more.

It has been said that books are a uniquely portable magic and those are some of the most true words that have ever been spoken. Books touch our hearts, minds, and lives and have the ability to stay with us for years. Lessons we learned from these books can be carried with us throughout our lives and be passed down to our children one day. A love of books, reading, and learning can be passed down through generations of family and along the way so can a collection of books that have been well-loved and well-read throughout the years.

The love of reading and the written word is one I will always have and will always try to share with others. Books will always have a place in my heart and will always be a part of some of my best memories.

Tell me about a time reading has connected you with another person. I would love to hear your personal experiences! I hope everyone has a great week!