Thankful for Books and our Freedom to Read them

Books have shaped my life in countless ways. This Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting not just on the stories I love but also on the freedom to read and think without fear. Throughout history, there have been dark times when books were banned, censored, or destroyed. Remembering those moments makes me even more grateful for the worlds and ideas that books open up today.

A cozy reading nook filled with favorite books and soft lighting

When Books Were Silenced

There have been many periods when access to books was limited or controlled. During the Holocaust, for example, countless books were burned, and people were forbidden from reading ideas that challenged oppressive regimes and inspired change. One of my favorite books, The Hiding Place, a memoir about surviving that era, reminds us how precious the freedom to read truly is.

Why Freedom of Ideas Matters

Books are more than just entertainment. They are tools for learning, empathy, and growth. When we can explore different viewpoints and stories, we build understanding and creativity. This freedom fuels progress and helps us connect across cultures and generations.

I am thankful that today, I can dive into fantasy worlds, explore real-life struggles, or laugh with clever comedies. The ability to choose what to read and to share ideas openly is a gift I deeply appreciate.

Books I'm Thankful for

Here are some of my favorite books and authors that have shaped my reading and writing journey:

• Brandon Sanderson – I love all his books for their rich world-building and complex characters. His stories are filled with imagination and hope.

• The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss – A beautifully written fantasy that pulls you into the life of a gifted young man.

• The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien – The classic epic fantasy that set the standard for the genre.

• Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling – A childhood favorite that sparked a lifelong love of reading.

• The Hiding Place by Corrie ten Boom – A powerful memoir about faith and survival during the Holocaust.

• Grit by Angela Duckworth – A self-improvement book that teaches the value of perseverance.

• Running for My Life by Lopez Lomong – An inspiring memoir of a refugee who became an Olympic athlete.

• My Lady Jane by Cynthia Hand, Brodi Ashton, and Jodi Meadows – A hilarious and clever take on historical fiction.

• Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir – A thrilling sci-fi adventure about survival and ingenuity.

• The Happy Life of Isadora Bently by Kate DiCamillo – Uplifting women’s fiction that shows us the importance of connection.

  
  

What books are you grateful for?

This holiday, I encourage you to think about the books that have touched your life and the freedom that allows you to read them. Maybe pick up a new title or revisit an old favorite. Celebrate the authors who inspire you and the ideas that challenge and enrich your thinking.

Books remind us that even in difficult times, hope and creativity endure. They are a source of comfort, knowledge, and inspiration—things worth being thankful for every day.