To All The Bookworms

A man once said: "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies...The man who never reads lives only one." (George R.R. Martin, writer of the A Song of Ice and Fire series, later adapted into the television series Game of Thornes)

If that is the case, bookworms have lived a million. We have become sword-wielding warriors slaying dragons and saving damsels (and whatever the male equivalent is) in distress. We are the detectives chasing down serial killers at the risk of our own fictional lives. We fell in love with the morally gray villains and misunderstood.

We have lived.

For some of us, me included, the desire to live through our books was injected into us before we left our mother's womb. For others, years and special circumstances sparked a flame within us to live outside of our life's boundaries. But I think all of us can agree that once we picked up that special book and were transported back in time, to far-away (or close to home) lands, or traveling along to a character's personal journey, we never wanted to come back.

Here are five books that do that for me.

1. I Thought You Said This Would Work by Ann Garvin: To those who read my #bookreviewhaikus, you might have been able to notice how much I loved this book. Readers can expect a whirlwind and hilarious road trip taking you from Wisconsin to Utah, warranting any surprising detours.

2. Born A Crime by Trevor Noah: Many remember Trevor Noah as the South African comedian and former host of The Daily Show. To any fans of Black Panther and Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, he is the voice of Griot, a Wakandan ship A.I.. He is known for his comedic observations and at times, deadpan sense of humor. Taking place in South Africa, this memoir helps us understand what living a bi-racial child and young adult was like for Trevor. Be warned, Trevor will make you cry...with tears of laughter.

3. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott: First published in 1868, this classic coming-of age novel has stood the test of time. Readers follow the lives of the four March sisters--Meg, Jo, Beth, and Amy--from their childhood to adulthood. The story starts during the American Civil War, which officially started on April 1861, giving us a chance to travel back in time during a difficult time in United States history. This has been one of my favorite novels since I was about eight years old and with the release of the 2019 movie, one of my favorite book-to-movie releases.

4. Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus: We're going back to the 60s! To anyone who is expecting peace signs and flowers, you have come to the wrong book. We follow Elizabeth Zott's journey of trying to succeed in the male-centric field of chemistry, which is much easier said than done for an "average woman." By the way, there is no such thing as an average woman. We see her fall in love, become a single mother, and star (begrudgingly) as the star of Supper at Six, where she dares women to change the status quo. There is no way you will not laugh out loud during this journey.

Last, but certainly not least,

5. Big Boned by Jo Watson: Originally released on Wattpad, this modern-day coming-of-age story takes you on a journey of being in love with your body and learning what you are capable of. Lori Palmer, the relatable plus-size main character, juggles it all--estranged relationships with parents, caring for her younger brother, falling in love with her body, a growing friendship turned romance, and a secret past time.

So, fellow bookworms, do you have any books that you have lived through as you turn page after page?

What books have transported you?

Share your recommendations in the comment section so all of us can find another life to live.