You know what January usually represents, yes? Beginnings, starting over, and promises—I also see these things whenever I start a new book. The joy I feel when I start reading is almost indescribable. As you have probably guessed, reading is my one and only true solace. In solitude, with the characters of the stories as my sole companions, I find much-needed comfort. And that’s why reading will always be a part of me!

I’m an optimistic kind of reader. I always expect my reading to be enjoyable. Of course, not all reading ends up like that. But the possibility of enjoyment is what makes me happy. Knowing the character from the first page until the last is such an amazing journey. What’s in store for me—the ups and downs or twists that will happen—is something that always plays in my mind whenever I start reading. I want to really, really like it. Isn’t this the main reason we read? It’s very true in my case; is it for you, too?

Starting my re-reading marathon is always such a pleasure, even if it is just a re-read. You know what’s coming up, unlike with brand-new reads where you’re going in blind, but there’s still a different type of excitement! Looking back, remembering, and even discovering those missed details—that’s still exciting for me! You know how big of an advocate I am when it comes to re-reading, right? My excitement is, I think, almost identical to how I felt when I first read it. There are even some cases where rereading is more thrilling because you know what to expect. You know what’s in there, and you can’t wait to go back and relive those moments again.

I have anxiety (the type where, when the going got tough, I was rushed to the ER), so rereading is very vital for me. Reading calms me down. It’s why, when I also don’t feel good mentally or emotionally, reading or rereading helps me stabilize. So what is the calming effect I get from reading? Yeah, it’s so important to me.

So my happiness and comfort right now have something to do with my reading habits. It is why I find it so satisfying to start my reading. The idea of getting acquainted with my (eventually) beloved characters and knowing them and all the highs and lows of their lives is bliss! The anticipation and pleasure all mix in when I start, and in the height of that moment, I oddly find comfort. The happiness, pain, and overall roller coaster of emotions? Yeah, I love reading those! It’s why I always look forward to starting to read. Akin to starting a wild adventure, it sounds so exciting, doesn’t it?