“Books are uniquely portable magic.” ―Stephen King
I learned the portable magic of books firsthand as a child. The world frustrated me and caused me to doubt that anything was possible. However, books helped me understand the challenges I faced. Through the pages of a book, I learned that I could only achieve personal growth after conflict, which boosted my self-confidence and squashed my doubts and frustrations.
For National Book Lovers’ Day this year, I want us all to share in the magic of reading, so here are five of my favorite book quotes of all time:
1. “Dreams do come true, if only we wish hard enough. You can have anything in life if you will sacrifice everything else for it.” ― J.M. Barrie, Peter Pan
My favorite book to read as a kid was Peter Pan. It sparked my imagination, which helped me believe in the impossible… and the power of pixie dust.
2. “I must learn to be content with being happier than I deserve.” ― Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice
Jane Austen is one of my favorite female authors. I first read Pride and Prejudice as a moody teenager who needed some empowering wisdom. Thanks to Austen, I learned that it’s OK to accept a happy life, even if I don’t always feel like I deserve it.
3. “Love is heavy and light, bright and dark, hot and cold, sick and healthy, asleep and awake- it’s everything except what it is! (Act 1, scene 1)” ― William Shakespeare, Romeo & Juliet
Like Shakespeare, I am undeniably a hopeless romantic. As a matter of fact, I have read his works over and over. I’ve always admired his description of love in Romeo & Juliet, but I didn’t fully understand this quote until I married my husband. Love is everything except perfect, but that’s just the way it is.
4. “Writing is not life, but I think that sometimes it can be a way back to life.” ― Stephen King, On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft
Stephen King is definitely my favorite male author. I didn’t realize how important writing was until it became the only thing that made me feel sane. Sometimes we might be unable to express ourselves verbally, but we can always say exactly how we feel when we write down our deepest emotions.
5. “Perhaps it is better to wake up after all, even to suffer, rather than to remain a dupe to illusions all one’s life.”― Kate Chopin, The Awakening
Kate Chopin is one of my favorite authors from Louisiana. She always had a strong perspective on life and everything in it. Although The Awakening is a depressing book, the story is valuable. I remember this quote when I feel like I’m losing myself for the sake of pleasing others. After all, self-awareness can help create self-love.
I honestly believe that to learn is to read and to read is to learn. So take a moment on August 9th to live a little and share your love for books. Pick a few of your favorite quotes, and share them across social media to spread the reading love!
Which quotes will you share? Let us know in the comments!
Feature Image by iam Se7en on Unsplash
