Why do you love to read?

For me reading has always been an activity that I have not minded doing on my own. I remember Summer vacations where I would read for hours without end while my parents were driving. I am sure I missed plenty of great sight of Mexico because of this. Reading has always been a great escape for me and when I have a bad day it is great to be able to pick up a murder mystery and realize that it isn't so bad after all because I am still around to play the crazy game called life.

So, tell me why you love to read and what your favorite genres are?