Finding solace in a book during tough times

There was also one thing that kept me sane: the fact that at the end of each day, I could still go home to a book

There is a saying in Arabic that your best friend is a book.

This was a sentiment I experienced last month after dealing with a serious family health crisis that involved countless trips to the hospital, fear, worry, and uncertainty.

It was stressful, to say the least, and I struggled to maintain my composure and sanity. I was fortunate to have the support of many friends and family during this time. 

There was also one thing that kept me sane: the fact that at the end of each day, I could still go home to a book. 

I could get lost in the pages of a novel, forget, for at least a tiny bit, about the difficult circumstances, and shut down for the day with a smile on my face.

It was a small solace amidst the chaos.

The book was indeed my best friend.

What makes books a loyal companion is their unique way of offering companionship without demanding anything in return. They are patient and undemanding, always waiting for you to pick them up and dive back into their worlds. 

And to quote the wonderful Anne Lamott in her must-read book Bird by Bird.

“Books help us understand who we are and how we are to behave. They show us what community and friendship mean; they show us how to live and die.”

And in case you are wondering about the books that I read during this difficult time they were: Bunny by Mona Awad and Block Party by Jamie Day.

I needed to be lost in a fictional world and immerse myself in a fast-paced plot.

Have you had a similar experience where you had to resort to fiction to escape?