The Power of Reading and Personal Experiences with Politics

Reading served as an essential escape for the speaker during childhood, providing a refuge in difficult times. Despite challenges like hunger, the speaker's passion for literature drove them to spend lunch hours in the library, highlighting a commitment to personal growth and education. As an adult, the speaker subscribed to prestigious magazines like The New Yorker and The Atlantic, initially believing they were engaging with substantive political discourse. However, disillusionment set in after the election of Trump, as the speaker criticized the Democratic Party for failing to genuinely advocate for the communities they claim to represent, reflecting a broader frustration with political gatekeepers.