Being a "reader" comes with a certain stigma. From a young age, teachers, parents, and other adult figures have told us-or at least suggested-that reading makes you smarter. To some extent, this is true: reading can help develop a larger vocabulary, absorb meaningful information, and further understanding of various topics, from history to love. But books do not solely exist to provide intellectual stimulus. Books do not have to broaden our minds to be considered "good books," and they certainly are not reserved for those who are "book smart." Do not read to be smarter. Read to understand, read to entertain, and read for fun.

Books allow us to face familiar themes through thousands of perspectives, ultimately strengthening our understanding of human experience on a micro and macro scale. As C.S Lewis said, "we read to know we are not alone" and create positive community dynamics among individuals. The writer doesn't have to be Shakespeare to do this. Almost all pieces of writing-from textbooks, to "the classics," to your favorite fanfiction ship—will approach a problem, a theme, or any part of the human experience, from a so-called "angle and then? (not necessary since you say "provide insight" in the next sentence; the ending is just abrupt in that it describes the beginning of a story exerting influence-approaching something-but then ends without telling us what it does once it has approached the problem/theme/etc.)." In other words, words provide insight.

But perhaps reading really isn't for you. You can barely sit still enough to read one page, or perhaps you experience dyslexia, or books are just really boring (but if that's the case, you just haven't found the right book yet). If so, seek out stories. Stories come in all forms, all shapes and sizes, and the right ones will lend you the fantastic moment of "hey, I didn't think about it that way." Do not let anyone tell you that audiobooks are not "really" reading!

Still, as a bookworm myself, I have to recommend books as likely the best ways to tell someone's story. The thing about reading is that it allows you to live others' lives. There is something special about words on pages, forming complex characters and allowing you to enter a new world. Other forms of storytelling, like television, can feel like you are watching the world through your own bubble.

If you are a reader, you likely understand what it feels like to be immersed in a beautiful escape that makes real life just slightly sour in comparison. As Anne Tyler once said, "I read so I can live more than one life in more than one place."

If you are new to the reading world, or have yet to read any of these "modern young-adult classics", here are a few books that will keep you on your toes and that are easy to follow along.

1. Nimona by ND Stevenson: a graphic novel following a young shapeshifter Nimona who joins the villain Ballister Blackheart in his plans to destroy the over-controlling institute.

2. The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas: you guys know this one—don't be discouraged by the page count.

3. Carry On by Rainbow Rowell: think Harry Potter, but gay (specifically if Draco and Harry got together).

4. Renegades by Marissa Meyer: Secret Identities. Extraordinary Powers. She wants vengeance. He wants justice.

5. Legend by Marie Lu: a dystopian young adult novel where the lives of two teens from starkly contrasting backgrounds intersect.

Let reading take you to somewhere you have never been before, with characters you have never met. Embrace the strange and the strangers. Happy reading!