Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but, most important, it finds homes for us everywhere.
This quote encapsulates the transformative power of reading and literature in shaping our identities and expanding our horizons. When we immerse ourselves in books, we temporarily leave our native environments, routines, and familiar surroundings—much like immigrants seeking new lives beyond borders. Reading acts as a voyage that takes us away from our original 'homes'—not physically, but mentally and emotionally—allowing us to explore different cultures, ideas, and perspectives. Each story we encounter becomes a new place where we can feel a sense of belonging, a home born from understanding and empathy. Moreover, books serve as bridges that connect disparate worlds, enabling us to find a sense of community and familiarity even in unfamiliar contexts. Through reading, we learn to see ourselves in others, fostering a global sense of citizenship that transcends geographical constraints. The idea that literature makes us immigrants suggests that in the act of reading, we gain the ability to inhabit multiple identities and viewpoints, enriching our understanding of the human experience. Ultimately, this process helps us construct a more inclusive, empathetic worldview, where the idea of home is not limited to a physical place but extends to vast, interconnected landscapes of thought and emotion.
