"Everybody has problems. Everyone's been disappointed. They don't sit around for days doing nothing, bingeing on books."

"Everyone does have problems, but this is the way I deal with mine. I'm happy sitting alone in my room reading."

"No you're not. Anyway, books can't fix your life. You should know that by now."

There is no way to answer this, because no matter what's going on in my life, I will always need a book. Nevertheless, after all that's happened to me this past year. I've come to the conclusion that for me, reading is not purely escape. I'ts more of a search for some kind of meaning in this world. Now when I read, I think I might open to any page and find the truth. I just can't stand the fog of not knowing. Whether you love someone or not, what you are willing to do to make it last, how you come to terms with the people who leave you or disappoint you, or how you deal with people with whom you feel a deep connection but who ultimately mat not have anything to do with your life. I don't know. The answers are there. Somewhere. Each author has their own vision, whether it be transforming, unnerving, inspiring, or devastating. It's comforting in a pathetic sort of way and I have wallowed in this comfort for most of my life.

# Extract from Book Lover by Jennifer Kaufman & Karen Mack