“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” –Sir Richard Steele

I always knew that reading opens doors to the imagination. From childhood I read books to escape to fantastical places. I could be riding a dragon through a purple cloud bank, watching in horror as a queen is beheaded, shivering in fear as a curse takes over my village, attempting to remain on a bull while he bucks in anger, or watching my neighbor turn into a wolf. The possibilities are endless.

My high school yearbook quote was something my father said, “A person with a book is never alone.” I was usually walking down the halls with a book in front of my nose. To me, books are a way to experience things most people will never get a chance to do.

I don’t know why but digital books just don’t do it as well. Sure, you are reading the same material, but the effect is not the same. I need the physical book in my hands.