A Lifelong Love Affair with Books

Not too long ago, I had a realization—reading is my oldest habit. I’ve always said that libraries and bookstores are my happy places, that I feel at home among books, and that I’ve never felt alone with a book in my hands. But it wasn’t until a recent team trip, during a dinner game where colleagues listed things they associate with me, that it truly hit me. At the top of everyone’s list? Reading and outdoor activities.

That moment made me pause. Books have been my constant companions for as long as I can remember. A vivid childhood memory comes to mind—sitting on my family’s couch at the farm, completely engrossed in a book. While some classics crossed my path, I never made reading lists or set goals. For me, reading is a habit, a joy—not a challenge to be measured. Lists and numbers create a sense of competition, and I never wanted that to interfere with the sheer delight of losing myself in a story.

When I moved to Canada, reading in English became a way to strengthen my understanding of the language, expand my vocabulary, and fine-tune my grammar. For 17 years, English books filled my shelves, until one day, I decided it was time to return to my roots and pick up some Brazilian authors. What a revelation! Though English is now a language I feel entirely at home in—even dreaming in it—there’s something about reading in your mother tongue that’s impossible to put into words. It touches your heart in a way nothing else can.

For the longest time, my favorite genre was non-fiction, particularly climbing books. I collect them and have a hard time parting with them. But my reading habits are ever-evolving. Fiction has always had a place on my shelves, and lately, memoirs have become a new favorite. A Slack channel at work—aptly named #books—has led me to some fantastic recommendations: Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver was my favourite book of 2024. I also follow a Brazilian literary profile on Instagram that has introduced me to incredible reads. And, of course, my beloved local library is generously fueling my habit for free.

You probably already guessed that I prefer hard copies. There’s something about holding a book, feeling the weight of its pages, and even the scent of paper that enhances the experience. But recently, after indulging in another habit of mine—podcasts—I decided to give audiobooks another chance. And I’m glad I did! My latest joy? Listening to Elizabeth Gilbert herself narrate Eat, Pray, Love.

Now, let’s talk about the one genre I tend to struggle with: self-help, business, personal development, and even psychology books. I start them, but more often than not, I never finish. Enter Blinkist, an app that offers bite-sized summaries you can read or listen to in just 15 minutes. It’s been a game-changer. Lately, during my walks with Bruce around the neighborhood, I’ve been tuning into some fascinating “blinks.”

And you? What books have been capturing your imagination lately?