November is National Reading Month! Time to celebrate stories, imagination, and that unparalleled feeling of getting completely lost in a world built entirely out of words. Whether you’re a certified bookworm or someone who hasn’t finished a book since college, this month is your sign to dust off your bookshelf (or your e-reader) and rediscover the magic of reading.

Reading Isn’t Just a Hobby — It’s a Superpower

Think about it: reading lets you time-travel, teleport, and see through someone else’s eyes. And you don’t even have to leave your comfy chair. One minute you’re in 19th-century Europe solving crimes with Sherlock Holmes; the next, you’re in the bustling streets of Manila chasing mythical creatures with Trese.

It’s not just about improving vocabulary or grammar. Reading helps you understand people, emotions, and the world better. It slows you down in the best way possible. It gives your brain a break from endless scrolling and lets your imagination breathe.

Book Suggestions for Every Kind of Reader

Don’t know where to start? Here are some great reads to match your mood this November:

For the Hopeless Romantic

Love, heartbreak, and all the beautiful chaos in between.

• “Para Kay B” by Ricky Lee — Five stories about love, heartbreak, and the rules we break to keep believing in both. 
• “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before” by Jenny Han — A sweet, nostalgic love story that feels like a warm hug (with a few teenage butterflies).
• “The Love Hypothesis” by Ali Hazelwood — Smart, funny, and perfect for anyone who loves a good academic rom-com.
• “Maybe in Another Life” by Taylor Jenkins Reid — A “what if” love story that explores how one decision can change everything.

For the Mystery Seeker

Twists, secrets, and stories that will make you suspicious of everyone.

• “Smaller and Smaller Circles” by F.H. Batacan — A homegrown crime novel set in Manila. It’s dark, bright, and deeply human. 
• “The Girl on the Train” by Paula Hawkins — Because unreliable narrators are the best kind of chaos. 
• “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides — Psychological suspense done right — and that ending? You won’t see it coming. 
• “Before We Were Strangers” by Cristina Macapagal — A Filipino mystery-romance hybrid about memory and identity.

For the Curious and the Deep Thinker

Perfect for those who enjoy books that challenge the mind and spark profound ideas.

• “Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind” by Yuval Noah Harari — A fascinating deep dive into how humans became, well, us. 
• “Why Nations Fail” by Daron Acemoglu & James A. Robinson — Perfect if you like big ideas about politics, power, and progress. 
• “The Psychology of Money” by Morgan Housel — A must-read on how we think, feel, and make money decisions. 
• “The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig — Fiction with a philosophical twist about regret, choices, and second chances. 

For the Proud Pinoy Reader

Because our local authors deserve the spotlight.

• “Noli Me Tangere” by José Rizal — A timeless reminder that reading can inspire revolutions. 
• “Trese: Murder on Balete Drive” by Budjette Tan & Kajo Baldisimo — Because who doesn’t love a Filipino supernatural twist? 
• “Ilustrado” by Miguel Syjuco — A witty, award-winning novel about identity, politics, and being Filipino in a global world. 
• “Luna: An Aswang Romance” by Mervin Malonzo — A modern gothic story blending myth, horror, and heart.
  

For the Self-Improvement Seeker

If you’re looking for books that inspire growth, mindfulness, and motivation.

• “Atomic Habits” by James Clear — Because small changes really can lead to significant transformations. 
• “Ikigai: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life” by Héctor García & Francesc Miralles — A beautiful reminder to live with purpose. 
• “You Are Your Best Thing” edited by Tarana Burke & Brené Brown — Essays on vulnerability, courage, and healing. 
• “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck” by Mark Manson — For when you just need some tough love and perspective.

How to Make Reading a Habit Again

You don’t need to finish a 400-page novel in one sitting. Start small. Read 15 minutes before bed. Keep a book in your bag for those moments when you have nothing to do. Swap Netflix for a few pages once in a while.

If you want to make it social, consider joining a book club or starting one with your friends. Reading doesn’t have to be solitary. Sometimes, the best part is discussing the plot twist that no one saw coming.

Closing the Chapter

National Reading Month is more than just a campaign; it’s a celebration. Every book you read changes you a little. It gives you new words, new thoughts, and sometimes, new courage.

So this November, make a promise to yourself: read something that moves you. Something that makes you laugh, think, or dream bigger. After all, every great adventure starts with a single page.

Happy Reading Month, fellow reader!