My Inner World

    I am a book lover. I find joy and comfort in the pages of the book. People in Tunisia enjoy reading for both pleasure and education. Escaping into a world of endless possibilities broadening my perspective and unleashing my mind's full potential are things I can do when I read. Now I am in Chicago, and I miss being in a discussion group talking about the last book that I had read. However, I am excited about the number of public libraries that exist in Chicago too. Despite being far away from my home country, I am sure that I will find many resources that will help me in my academic and professional path. 

        Reading is important for the development of people. It can provide access to many resources of knowledge and information. In Tunisia, I can find the street libraries, which are small libraries set up in public spaces and open to the community. These libraries promote literacy and encourage people to read and exchange books with others. I prefer paper books, and I used to buy more than one every month. When I am ready to read, I grab my book with a cup of tea or coffee. I sit in my room, and I prepare my highlight pens. In addition, I have a playlist specially for reading like relaxing music. After everything is ready, I dive into a deep world of stories. When reading, the mind is free to wander and create vivid images that can create the inner world of the reader and find the peace that the person was looking for. I feel good here in the U.S because I believe that reading books from diverse backgrounds and cultures can give me more experience. 

      It is true that in Tunisia, there is a rich literary heritage, including Arabic poetry. Reading and writing are an integral part of the Tunisian education systems, but each country has its own way. However, in the U.S the education systems are more modern. The U.S is also the home to many literary events, including book festivals, book clubs and writing workshops, which serve to encourage reading and writing for all ages. I used to read books in Arabic, French and English, but the lack of options in English when I was in Tunisia made me focus on the Arabic ones. The act of flipping through the pages, slowly discovering the world that lies within can be a meditative escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. As I lose myself in the stories, I transport back to my childhood, and this reminds me of the excitement of discovery that once filled my days. Additionally, reading a book is a timeless pleasure that will always evoke my memories and my emotions. I miss those days, but now I am in front of many choices, and this cultural exchange will create a vibrant and diverse literary culture for me.  

        Another advantage of being a book lover is being exposed to a wide range of words and writing styles, which can enhance my own written and spoken language. I can choose from various categories and titles, so I can get a chance to experience new worlds, characters, and perspectives. When I came the first time to Chicago, I was impressed by Harold Washington Library. It is a stunning piece of architecture with its elegant marble façade, and its extensive collection of books. It is true that I am no longer surrounded by the familiar cultural and literary references that defined my reading experiences in the past. I find that the books available are heavily focused on American themes and perspectives, including coming of age, which many American novels explore the experiences of young people as they transition into adulthood, like Jhumpa Lahiri My Two Lives. However, reading can improve my critical thinking and my problem-solving skills regardless of the language. As a reader I must actively engage with the text and think deeply about the themes and characters presented. A good book is a great way to escape the stress of everyday. Whether I am going through a difficult time or simply want to relax, losing myself in the pages of a novel can provide a much-needed escape from the outside world.  

Reading has a lot of long-term benefits from many perspectives such as cultural, educative, or even for entertainment. Furthermore, the rise of technology led to significant changes in the way people access and consume books, and the reading experience itself. Now, I am sure that I will enjoy the new experience of reading more with all these different choices, and I am able to explore and understand my inner world more deeply, as I identify with the characters and their struggles, and reflect on how their stories can be related to my own life. 

Amir Trabelsi