From childhood reading assignments to studying literature in New York and Zürich, and why I'm bringing my love of books into Csilla Language Lab.
It All Started with My Mother
For as long as I can remember, I've always had a book with me.
Growing up in Switzerland with Hungarian roots, I was surrounded by different languages, but literature was just as much a part of our household.
My mother was a language and literature teacher, so reading wasn't exactly optional.
Every vacation came with books to read and something to write about afterwards. Did I always appreciate those assignments? Probably not. Do I appreciate them now? Absolutely.
What started as a childhood routine became a lifelong passion. Books introduced me to different cultures, perspectives, and worlds long before I had the chance to experience many of them myself.
From the Stage to the Bookshelves
At 20, I moved to the United States to pursue a career in the performing arts. Dance and theatre became my everyday life, but my love for literature never disappeared.
In fact, being surrounded by art only made me more curious about storytelling.
When I eventually pursued my university education in New York, I chose to study English Literature alongside Childhood Education.
I was particularly drawn to American literature exploring immigration, identity, and belonging. As the daughter of Hungarian immigrants, growing up in Switzerland and building a life in New York, those themes felt especially close to home.
Years later, back in Switzerland, I completed my Master's in Literary Studies at the University of Zurich.
This time, my academic interests centred on feminism, womanhood, and female independence, eventually leading to my Master's thesis:
Life of One's Own: Singlehood and Sisterhood in Sex and the City Then and Now.
Yes, I wrote my Master's thesis about Sex and the City. And no, it wasn't just about Carrie Bradshaw's shoes.
What fascinated me was how stories reflect modern society, challenge expectations, and open conversations about identity and the lives we choose to lead.
Because a story is rarely just a story.
Why Reading Matters in Language Learning
Today, as the founder of Csilla Language Lab, I see the connection between literature and language education more clearly than ever.
Students can memorize vocabulary and understand grammar rules yet still struggle to express themselves naturally. Reading helps bridge that gap.
Stories introduce vocabulary in context, expose children to natural sentence structures, and strengthen comprehension.
But for me, the most exciting part begins when we start discussing what we've read.
Why did a character make that decision? Would you have done the same? What happens next? Suddenly, German becomes more than a school subject. It becomes a language for expressing opinions, asking questions, and sharing ideas.
A New Chapter at Csilla Language Lab
After years of teaching in the US and now in Switzerland, and a lifetime spent surrounded by books, creating a German Book Club feels like a natural next chapter.
I want to bring together my two passions: literature and language education.
A space where young readers can discover stories, develop their German, and most importantly, feel confident sharing their thoughts.
Not another grammar worksheet. Not another vocabulary test.
Just good books, curious minds, and meaningful conversations.
When I look back at my childhood, I don't remember every grammar exercise I completed. But I remember the books. And I remember my mother making sure there was always another one waiting.
I suppose she knew what she was doing all along.
Now it's my turn to pass that love of reading on.
One book. A shared love for stories. And hopefully, the beginning of someone else's lifelong reading journey.
Join Our German Book Club
Our new German Book Club brings young readers together to explore literature, strengthen their German, and share ideas in small groups.
Interested in joining our German Book Club? Get in touch to learn more about our upcoming sessions.
BTW…
The photographs accompanying this article were taken at the Ervin Szabó Library in Budapest, one of the most beautiful libraries I've ever visited. Walking through its grand rooms, surrounded by towering bookshelves, intricate details, and centuries of history, felt like stepping back in time.
Places like this remind me why I've always been drawn to books. There's something magical about a space dedicated to stories, knowledge, and imagination. A reminder that while the world around us keeps changing, our curiosity and love for literature remain timeless. That's what I love most about reading. No matter where we are, a book can always take us somewhere else.
