Why I Read: How My Relationship With Books Changed Over 6 Years

For many years, I wanted to read books but I never actually took action. Maybe because I found it time consuming or other hobbies (like playing league of legends) of mine were too addictive to let go of.

Anyhow, I have become an avid reader over the last 6 years. In the past 2 years I have read 2 books every single month minimum. Now some might think this isn’t much, but I would say reading 2 books a month alongside work, family and various other commitments is pretty good.

My opinion on why I read has changed and I want to document that here. Who knows, my thoughts and feelings might change even further over the next 6 years and it’s nice to document and store these thoughts.

Here we go.

year: 2020 | total books read: 4

I want to read more books. There are so many good stories out there. Reading books will make me smart. I will be able to articulate myself better. I should read because it’s a “productive” activity. It’s better than playing games or wasting time through other means.

year: 2024 | Total books read: 47

Reading books is like any other hobby. I read simply because I enjoy it. Everyone says you should read because it’s better than other hobbies like playing games or listening to music. People say you should read if you want to become “smart”. I used to believe this too. But I don’t care about that anymore. That’s no longer my aim. I no longer feel that reading is a hobby that is superior as compared to other stuff. There is no hierarchy.

year: 2026 | Total books read: 70

My reasons for why I read have not changed much since 2024. I do not read books in hopes to become smarter. The reason is still enjoyment.

But I have noticed a difference in how I see things and how I think about things. Is that because of reading or is it just a natural part of growing up? I’m not sure.

I enjoy non-fiction just as much as fiction.

When I say non-fiction I almost entirely mean books in the self-help, improvement, business and productivity space. There’s a negative connotation that these genre of books carry around people that mostly read fiction. I think people think that if you read this books, you’re not doing it for enjoyment but for utility only.

I disagree with that sentiment.

Yes reading self-help books can never give you the same feeling as a really good fantasy story like The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson. But that does not mean those books are not enjoyable.

I’m confident that reading is not just hobby but a lifestyle habit now. I can’t imagine ever letting it go. I always have an audiobook and a physical book rolling on the go. And I look forward to them all the time. Whenever I finish a book, I always have the next one ready.

In fact I get this sad feeling sometimes when I realise that there are literally thousands of amazing pieces of literature out there and I will never get to take in all of them. It’s okay though.

Grateful to have built this habit.

Grateful that I find so much enjoyment in reading words on a page.

Grateful to be able to read thoughts of people that lived decades and decades before me.

I keep track of all the books I have read on maghfoor.com/books

Every book I finished, I try to write down some informal and casual thoughts on how I found it. The list shall always stay upto date