Books have existed and evolved for a long time. Books have served as companions, keeping people company and entertaining them since their earliest existence. As cinema, social media, video games and TV become more popular, the survival of books is threatened. It has been interesting to see the decline in the number of people reading physical copies of books over the years. Even elementary school students nowadays (at least in my hometown in Minnesota) all have iPads and use them for reading and homework. Whereas, in elementary school, my peers and I did everything on paper and only read physical copies of books. I have also noticed that the number of bookstores and libraries in my area is decreasing, particularly those owned by small business owners. It is unfortunate that the increasing use of technology and the decline of books are causing people to lose their livelihoods.

There is something about holding a book in your hand that can help you escape reality. When I use an e-reader, I can't do that the same way I can with a book. Books have transformed my life and have always been a safe place for me. It is disheartening to see the decline in book sales. I want others to experience the joy of cracking open a physical book as well.

Earlier in the fall, I went to the Farmer's Market near me, and there was a truck selling various types of books. I haven't seen anything like that before, and I was delighted to see that others still find great meaning in books and in the value of holding one physically.

It is interesting to experience firsthand the evolution of books over time. In my first semester of junior year, I took a class that focused on books from different time periods, and it was neat to see that connection. I particularly enjoyed reading about the various types of novels, their origins, histories, and the time periods from which they emerged, along with descriptions of each. I was surprised to see that some modern novels originated in the seventeenth century.

It is fascinating to read old books and see the parallels that exist in today's world. Even if a book is completely fictional, it can still relate to modern-day society. Overall, books are crucial for spreading ideas and driving important social change; without them, history would look completely different.

We need ways to express our thoughts, emotions and creativity, and books are a great way to do so. Whether a book makes you cry tears of joy or sadness, makes you infuriated, or makes you laugh, it has a way of generating emotions within us that often inspires us, whether we know it or not. I think most people have at least one book that has changed them in some way, whether for the better or the worse. Books can show you that you aren't alone in your experience(s) and that life keeps going. As mental health conditions are on the rise, especially among young people, it is crucial that we have books as a resource for all. Books can also provide a safer outlet for activists in risky areas. Living right next to Minneapolis is quite dangerous at the moment, and writing is a way I can take part in change when protesting is not a opition.

As someone who struggles with a very complex chronic illness, reading other people’s stories has provided me comfort knowing things will get better someday. It has also allowed people to share what has and has not worked for them. Yolanda Hadid’s book, Believe Me: My Battle with the Invisible Disability of Lyme Disease, has been life-changing for the Lyme community and brought Lyme into more mainstream discussions. Without books and people sharing their stories, it is hard to determine the spread of ideas throughout the Lyme community and other communities.