Every person has a hobby that consumes them; for me, it's reading. I read every chance I get, and depending on the book, it can be a stressor or a de-stressor. Regardless, reading makes me feel like I'm more than just a girl; I'm a warrior or a hero. I'm transported into a world of literature where I learn to fight for myself.

All my family and friends know I love to read and spend my money on books. Some people don't understand it, but that's nothing new. When I was growing up, reading made you a huge nerd, and the general sentiment was that you shouldn't want to read unless it was required. But I never cared.

Grades one through six, I was mentally and physically bullied. I am the oldest sibling and my parents' greatest supporter, so I never wanted to bother them with my school problems. Hence, I would hide out in the library anytime I could. I would escape the bullying and enter worlds beyond my imagination. When the librarian recommended I read "Little Women," which was advanced for my age at the time, I felt like someone believed in me and was reaching out a hand. It made me feel like I had a friend who wasn't going to bully me.

After that, reading consumed me and all I stood for. After grade school swimming lessons with my sister, my mom would take us to the bookstore and allow us to pick out one to two books each if we were well behaved. I put everything into my swimming lessons just so I could read after — reading was such a strong incentive, I became really good at swimming.

At that time, there weren't sites or places to check book reviews because reading wasn't popular. I didn't have BookTok or Goodreads to tell me what was good, nor were there content warnings. I had to use my own judgment, and usually, that consisted of reading the synopsis, reading about the author and reading the first chapter. I'd put down the book if I wasn't interested, and having that opportunity to choose gave me a sense of independence — I don't think I'd have the decision-making skills I have today without being limited to two books per visit. Strong main characters in the books I loved also inspired me to stand up for myself and gave me the morals that I still hold to this day.

My love for reading has stayed with me throughout my life. As a senior at ASU, the need for "me time" and having a hobby has never been stronger, and that need consistently draws me back to reading — from Rick Riordon to George R.R. Martin to Sarah J. Maas. The more I've read, the more I've noticed how reading has evolved in society and my life.

How BookTok changed reading

Suddenly, the hobby that made me an outsider growing up hit social media platforms and became trendy. Online users worldwide were reading books and promoting them on TikTok and Instagram in spheres that became known as BookTok and Bookstagram. Now, entire communities revolve around books.

Midnight release parties at Barnes & Noble have become more common. Books fly off the shelves depending on how much they're talked about online. People flock to stores to pick up the hottest romance and fantasy books. 

More people are beginning to favor physical books over audiobooks and ebooks. There is still a high demand for e-readers, but even Kindle users like to buy physical copies of their favorite books and call them "trophies."

Although a positive energy has been brought to the reading community, the growing popularity of reading has also sparked hate. Some people say you cannot consider yourself a reader if you don't read "pure literature," like Kafka and Dostoevsky, and that you're a fake reader if all you enjoy is romance. I have been told I'm not "stimulating" my mind enough by still reading young adult books as a person in my 20s. "If you can't enjoy the classics, why read at all?" some will ask.

Why are people being attacked for reading and training their brains? More people are enjoying reading again instead of viewing it as a nerdy hobby. I've read "pure literature," and most of it is boring. It's an interesting read; there is something beautiful about the old-style writing structure, but sometimes I just want to enjoy a nice little romance or fantasy. That's not a bad thing.

While studying for my LSAT, I read "House of Flame and Shadow" by Sarah J. Maas, a rather large book, and it improved my reading comprehension skills even though I was simply taking the time to read for enjoyment. It's like watching a movie or TV show. Sometimes you're in the mood for something serious where you have to pay attention to the plot, and sometimes you just need background noise. 

If you are someone who judges others for liking specific books, stop it! Just be glad they're reading again. I am not one for smut, but if that is someone's preference and it gets them back into reading instead of spending time on their phone or watching TV, more power to them! There is a term called "junk food book" — it's not the best written and won't be considered a classic in the future, but it sure is a fun indulgence to read.

Reading 100 books in 2024

Yes, you read that correctly. In 2024, I read 100 books, including all the books required for my classes. Do I recommend this? Absolutely not. Unless you are a book critic or an editor and it is your literal job to read and critique books, I don't think a normal person should read 100 books in one year. It's hard, and with a busy schedule, it shouldn't be possible unless you religiously listen to audiobooks or read every second of the day.

So, how did I do it? Bad mental health. Point blank. I hit many lows in 2024 where I spent my time lounging in bed for an entire day reading. It's not bad to take a mental health day, but when you feel like you are in a pit and can't crawl out, it can be hard to take off the blanket covers and come back to society when the worlds in books are so much better.

People who are interested in reading shouldn't feel pressured by BookTok or those who push for reading challenges. Goodreads and other book-tracking apps will create streaks to encourage their readers, but that can be daunting. Reading should be about the quality, not the quantity.

So no, I do not recommend reading 100 books in one year to anyone. I am still incredibly proud of my achievement; I became a faster reader and feel like I have expanded my knowledge. Reading fantasy as an adult has made my inner child laugh, and I'm proud to be a nerd. However, I won't let a lofty goal influence how I read nor how I feel about reading. I will not push my limits or increase the speed of my audiobooks. I will just see where I end up by January.

I recommend you pick up a book — maybe one you've heard a lot about or even one with a movie you want to compare. It can take time to find the right book, but that's okay. For some people, it was "A Court of Thorns and Roses" by Sarah J. Maas. For others, maybe it was "Steelheart" by Brandon Sanderson or "Oliver Twist" by Charles Dickens that caught someone's attention. For me, it started with four sisters living in poverty. Just pick up a book and read. 

Book Recommendations

• "Little Women" by Louisa May Alcott (Coming-of-Age, Fiction)
• "The Cruel Prince" by Holly Black (YA Fantasy)
• "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini (YA Fantasy)
• "Throne of Glass" by Sarah J. Maas (Fantasy)
• "Happiness for Beginners" by Katherine Center (Contemporary Fiction)
• "In Five Years" by Rebecca Serle (Contemporary Fiction)
• "Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow" by Gabrielle Zevin (Coming-of-Age, Adventure)
• "Blue Sisters" by Coco Mellors (Fiction)
• "Crying in H Mart" by Michelle Zauner (Memoir)
• "The Wedding People" by Alison Espach (Contemporary Fiction)
• "Summer Romance" by Annabel Monaghan (Romance)
• "Carrie Soto Is Back" by Taylor Jenkins Reid (Contemporary Fiction)
• "One Dark Window" by Rachel Gillig (Fantasy)
• "The Naturals" by Jennifer Lynn Barnes (YA Mystery)
• "Vampire Academy" by Richelle Mead (Paranormal Romance) 

Edited by Savannah Dagupion, Leah Mesquita and Audrey Eagerton. 

This story is part of The Best of ASU, which was released on April 30, 2025. See the entire publication here. 

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Reach the reporter at ksaba1@asu.edu and follow @KylieGirlWrites on X.

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