I LOVE TO READ!!

A book is the only place in which you can examine a fragile thought without breaking it, or explore an explosive idea without fear it will go off in your face. It is one of the few havens remaining where a man's mind can get both provocation and privacy. ~Edward P. Morgan

I've posted before and maybe often about books and my love for them.  I just can't help it!

I was thinking of Jacob's first day of first grade, when I walked into the room and saw his teacher, standing on a desk shouting, "I LOVE TO READ!".  I was a little unsure at first...and then after a few days of this vision sinking in, I realized that he was acting out what I had already felt.  I LOVE TO READ!

I have always been a reader.  My mom would say "NO!" to toys and games but, she never, ever said no to a book or stack of books, as was usually the case.  Every Sunday morning we'd go to the bookstore downtown.  She'd buy the Sunday papers, look at magazines and I would go look at books.  Generally, I'd pick out 2 for myself and go find her but, occasionally she would have to come and find me because I couldn't make up my mind what I wanted this week and if she had to come looking for me, I'd get a whole stack of books!  She'd start showing me titles, asking me about authors, which had I already read, what I had not.  I never wanted to be too greedy or take advantage on those mornings, always afraid this book bounty would end. 

In the summers, I'd pack up for my sister's.  I think I took a whole suitcase of books.  My brother-in-law's mother had a little bookcase with a glass door and a whole set of books in there - I think they were Dr. Suess.  I loved going over there, lying on the floor and reading book after book  A good friend of their family was a teacher and I loved going to her house too.  She loaned me the Laura Ingall's Wilder books and I can't tell you how many times I've read that series.  Thank you Mrs. James, for encouraging my love of reading.

Sadly, my interest in reading waned for a time and the books stopped coming for awhile.  I'd pick up a magazine once in awhile but, nothing serious.

Through my 20's and into my 30's, I'd pick up a serial novel here and there.  The authors that release a new title every year and have for the past decade - or the ones who use various pen names.  I came across an author the other day who wrote under 5 pen names!  I can't read these now - they all see the same to me.  I tried an old fave, Danielle Steele and I just couldn't get into her again.  But, just so you know, my all time favorite book of hers is Accident.

The last 5 years or so, I have been hoarding books again. I pick them up at Goodwill, get a steal on-line, yard sales are great, and of course, the Kindle.  I prefer the one hit wonders - authors who write one book and only one book.  I am drawn to any title with the words "a novel".   I love books set in "The Outer Banks" - North Carolina area, books set in the 40's/WWII and Nantucket - the islands and fishing communities.   Let's see my favorite authors are currently Patti Callahan Henry, Karen White, and Elin Hilderbrand oh and Beth Harbison and Jennifer Weiner.  Yes, they do have a few books under their belts but, they're not "must release a new book.  Every. Single.  Year." type authors.

I love, love, love being a reader.  I can't tell you how many people I have met, how many doors it has opened for me.  It's like magic fairy dust when you ask a reader "Do you read?" It's as if they light up with sparkles from within.  They smile and you start talking, animatedly discussing books and you now have a connection.  "Have you read..?  Did you like...?"   I've seen the reaction from non-readers when this happens and I feel badly for them.  They're almost hurt to be left out of this engaging discussion.  I always hope or try to encourage them to start.  There's always time for a good book!