Books change us. Books save us. I know this because it happened to me. Books saved me. So, I do believe through stories we can learn to change, we can learn to empathize and be more connected with the universe and with humanity.

This quote by Elif Shafak, “Books change us. Books save us. I know this because it happened to me. Books saved me. So, I do believe through stories we can learn to change, we can learn to empathize and be more connected with the universe and with humanity,” is a passionate tribute to the transformative power of literature. Shafak, an acclaimed Turkish-British author, expresses how deeply books have influenced her personal growth and emotional survival. For her, reading was not just an escape—it was a lifeline, a means to find meaning, identity, and belonging in a complex world.

The repetition of “books saved me” emphasizes the intensity of her relationship with stories, underscoring that literature offers more than knowledge—it offers hope, healing, and emotional refuge. Shafak views books as powerful tools for inner transformation, capable of altering how we see ourselves and others. Through storytelling, we are invited into the lives and emotions of characters, enabling us to develop greater empathy and compassion.

As a writer who often explores themes of identity, displacement, and cultural intersection, Shafak’s quote is rooted in her own experiences navigating different worlds—both geographically and intellectually. Born in France, raised in Turkey, and writing in both Turkish and English, she has firsthand knowledge of how literature bridges cultural divides and speaks across boundaries. This quote likely stems from her public talks or essays in which she advocates for the importance of storytelling in both personal and social transformation.

Ultimately, Shafak’s message is a celebration of the unifying and redemptive nature of books. She believes that through stories, we don't just entertain ourselves—we evolve, becoming more connected not only to one another but to something greater. Her words are a call to cherish literature not only as art but as a vital force for empathy, education, and global understanding.