Most people fall into one of two groups: either they can’t go more than a few days without reading, or they haven’t read a single book purely by choice. But books give us access to thousands of worlds—worlds where we can learn, make choices, and love.

When we talk about reading, we should place special emphasis on fiction. Non-fiction books can give us a great deal of practical knowledge, but nothing compares to sharing the experiences of characters in a novel.

Books introduce us to new worlds. Through them, you can mentally transport yourself anywhere you want—to the Roman Empire, medieval England, or the American Civil War. You don’t simply learn about these periods; you experience them. In many ways, fiction can be even better than a historical text because it allows you to see reality through the eyes of the people who lived it.

Books put us in situations we may never encounter in our own lives. In this way, we gain experience without actually having to go through everything ourselves. As we read, we can face difficult choices alongside the characters, testing our own will and values in the process.

Books introduce us to new people, often vivid and unforgettable ones. They allow us to see the best in humanity. We can love the characters, experience life’s trials alongside them, and in doing so, expand our emotional capacity exponentially.

A book is a chance for an adventure and an opportunity to fall in love with something new. That chance is always worth taking.