Yesterday I was waiting outside an exam center while a friend was inside writing an exam. I had almost three hours to wait. He had left his bag with me, and while sitting there I noticed a copy of The Alchemist inside it.
Out of curiosity, I started reading.
Normally I struggle to read books for long. I often start a book, read 10–15 pages, and then tell myself I’ll continue later—but I rarely do. But this time was different. With nothing else to do and three quiet hours ahead, I kept reading.
Before I realized it, I had read around 50 pages while sitting there on my bike with headphones on.
What surprised me wasn’t just that I read that much. It was how calm and focused I felt while reading. The book didn’t just pass time—it actually quieted some of the anxiety I had been feeling.
Maybe it was the situation. Maybe it was the message of the book itself. Or maybe sometimes we only absorb certain ideas when our mind is finally still enough to listen.
Sometimes clarity doesn’t come from overthinking.
Sometimes it comes quietly, in unexpected moments—like reading someone else’s book while waiting outside an exam center.
What was first book you read or first book that you found really helpfull interesting?
MBH/PS