To me, the concept of home is something that makes you feel comforted and loved and safe.

I have been to five different elementary schools in my life. Childhood is one of the most important stages in your life, when you’re learning how you treat people, how you think and what makes you happy. I was uprooted from my life many many times throughout my childhood.

My childhood was doughy and half-baked. These feelings that I didn’t belong to one specific house, or school district, or town, gave me a nomad mindset that no young person should have to experience. Moving isn’t the end of the world, but it affects kids more than people think.

During these rough times, without anyone to really talk to or any outlet, I turned to other methods to get the feeling of belonging I’d never felt. One of the things I loved to do as a kid was read. It was not only entertaining and a stress reliever, but it was an escape for me.

It’s very cliché but it’s the truth. You could say that my home is in the pages of a book. I have read a lot of books and, of course, I have favorites, but I have yet to read a book that didn’t strike something in me.

I don’t know how healthy it is, but escaping into fictional stories has always made me feel better. It is much more comfortable to focus on the brave protagonist of someone else’s story than face the truths of mine. The feelings tied to this home are happiness and safety.

The stories are only on paper and they can’t leave me. Books can be around for as long as I am, and I don’t have to worry about them doing anything for me. We coexist, but I would like to think I get a lot more out of the deal.