My First Love

By : Elsa 

    I believe that we have something that we really like. Be it food, drink, color, someone, or lessons. I like many things, but I like the most are books, jasmine-scented tea, morning, and the color green. I enjoy reading, although lately I rarely touch books on my desk. I always like it when I open the window in the morning with the fresh air that fills my room. Acacia trees snaking across my house to the chirping of the morning birds. Sitting in my study chair with a cup of jasmine-scented tea served on the table. Then my hands unfolded the sheets of ink scribbled words that I hoped would satisfy my inner passion.

    Books are my first love. On my 5th birthday, my father gave me a book. I remember that my father gave me a bobo magazine. Since then, I have liked reading my mother's magazines, school books, and books I borrowed from the library. My favorite author is Buya Hamka; the first work I read was Tenggelamnya Kapal van der Wijck which I borrowed from my school library. I like the style of language, the letters Zainuddin wrote to Hayati, and vice versa. Likewise, his book "Merantau ke Deli" is full of life messages.

    There is also one book that left me deeply traumatized. A novel by Nawal El Saadawi entitled "Women at Zero Point." Nawal El Saadawi wrote this story based on the experiences of a woman from Qanaatir prison. A woman named Firdaus who I think leads a terrible life. Her life is like a ball in a game. She is not in control of herself. with a tragic ending when she was only trying to defend herself. how lousy life treats her. This book also opens a view of women's like Firdaus, who are often shunned by society.

    Through the scratches on each page, I can get to know new souls; I can go to places I've never been, I can even experience a life I never even imagined. Sometimes I am disappointed when my mind is not satisfied with the stories told. When I'm angry, I will read it over and over again.

    Maybe books are boring, obsolete, old-fashioned things. But with books, I feel my world is alive. Whatever you like, learn to take care of it, love it, whether from far or near.