1. From a young age, books have been an indispensable part of my life. I devoured every book I got my hands on, even though over 40 years ago, in a poor rural area, books were quite scarce. Once, I told my mother, "If you gave me good books, I could read all day without needing to eat..." But back then, where could I find enough books to satisfy my thirst for reading? Occasionally, after my father returned from business trips, he would buy a few books, and I would finish them in just a few days, after which I would be "hungry for books" again!
I still remember the time I read Andersen's Fairy Tales, and the very special feelings I had. Princesses, knights, wondrous adventures, and even witches opened up a magical world before my eyes. Back then, I didn't fully understand the deeper meaning of each word, but I felt many interesting things, many insights as I turned each page, as if I were discovering an endless treasure. I lost that book after several moves and leaks in the rain; it wasn't until much later that I bought and reread it, absorbing every line of the particularly insightful introduction by the Russian writer Paustovsky and the old stories I already knew, yet still retaining the same initial emotion…
Growing up, my love for books not only didn't fade but deepened. I began to seek out classic literature, philosophical works, history, and culture… When I opened the pages of Paulo Coelho's *The Alchemist*, my heart burned with the dream of pursuing my own “personal legend,” even though that path was full of challenges. Or every time I reread Luo Guanzhong's *Romance of the Three Kingdoms*, I still found a lesson that I could apply to my life, even though the story wasn't new. Or when I reread *The Cards Are Stacked Against You*, my admiration and respect for the creativity of writer Nguyen Truong Thien Ly, also known as writer and researcher Tran Bach Dang, a “monument” in cultural activities… And so, for me, books are not only a refuge of knowledge but also a source of fresh insights that give me more solutions to the problems of my life.
2. I love how books connect people across time and space. A book may have been written centuries ago, in a faraway land, but when I read it, I feel the heartbeat of the author, as if they were sitting beside me, telling their stories. Reading Edmondo De Amicis's *The Noble Soul*, I not only felt warmth in my heart from the lessons about love, but also felt the breath of 19th-century Italy, where human values were vividly portrayed. Or reading Phan Trung Nghia's *The Merchant*, I relived the golden age of Southern Vietnam's nature, much of which has now become a memory… Books are a magical bridge, bridging the gap between cultures, generations, and even strangers. Books help me realize that, although life has its limits, human imagination and empathy are boundless. Thanks to books, I learned to appreciate the little things, from an afternoon rain shower to the smile of a stranger.
I also love the moments spent with books in quiet spaces. During my school days, the library with its towering bookshelves was always my most frequent destination. If I had free time, my go-to places were bookstores, sometimes searching for good books or authors I liked, or simply to "borrow" a few pages. At home, despite my modest circumstances, I still dedicate a separate room, serving as both my workspace and a mini-library, with thousands of books I've collected over the past nearly 30 years… I love the feeling of running my fingers through the spines of books, choosing one, and immersing myself in its world. At those times, I don't feel lonely at all, because the books are conversing with me, sharing the secrets of life.
3. Books are also tireless teachers. Each book offers a lesson, whether about love, courage, or forgiveness. Books not only provide knowledge but also help me grow, teaching me how to live and how to love. I myself have learned so much from the characters of the writer Nam Cao, and he is my favorite writer. To the point that, when I see a woman's thin, frail hands, I think of Tu's hands in "The Superfluous Life"...
For me, my love for books is also a love for myself. Every book I read is an opportunity for self -discovery . Some books make me laugh, some make me cry, and some make me ponder the meaning of life. Books are a mirror reflecting my soul, helping me to better understand my dreams, fears, aspirations, and desires.
I know that in this fast-paced, technological age, books may no longer be the top choice for many. But for me, nothing can replace the feeling of holding a book in my hands, turning the pages, and letting my soul immerse itself in the stories. Books are where I find freedom, where I can be anyone, anywhere, and live countless lives.
I often look up at my small bookshelves, where I find the books I cherish. These old books, with their yellowed pages, remain quietly there, like loyal friends, accompanying me through the years. I smile, thinking that no matter how life changes, my love for books will always be an unquenchable flame in my heart. With books, I live not just one life, but thousands of lives, each filled with wonders.
Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/mai-mot-tinh-yeu-danh-cho-sach-post828590.html
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