The first book I ever remember loving was
about Madam Curie. Of course there had been many, many books before that. Our library
was full to overflowing and I always received books as gifts, but this one was
a book without pictures. A biography. A book I spent a whole summer day reading
splayed across my bed, propped up on my elbows. It was a turning point for me
because I literally could not stop reading. I didn’t want to. It was a
beautiful, green, sunny day. I remember the breeze shifting the leaves of the
tree outside my window but this usual siren song didn’t move me. Life was never
the same. Since then, books have been a constant companion.
I think I have mentioned before in this blog,
one of my greatest regrets is that I will never, in all my days, read every book
I wish to. You would think, because of that, I would choose very, very
carefully when I select my next treasure. But that’s not really so. If I have
waded through something heavy but wonderful, I sometimes will need a breather
in something light and I choose fluff. Sometimes I feel philosophical and I
choose a more spiritual selection. Sometimes I choose simply because I love an
author’s work. There never seems to be a time when I don’t want something going,
usually two at a time. Sometimes two and a book on tape! I know…. but I like
it. I didn’t think I would like a kindle, but I do. Not as a rule, I prefer
holding a book in my hands, but it’s useful for traveling. I rarely read
magazines although I do like them. I have a bunch of subscriptions but they
tend to pile up.
Going to a bookstore is heaven on earth. I
love independent bookstores, used bookstores, library sales and even Barnes and
Noble. I love the way books are sold on the street in New York and even at local flea
markets.
A few lifetime favorites:
Ordinary People - Judith Guest;
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy-J.R.R.Tolkien; The Chronicles of Narnia - C.S. Lewis; Twilight (Series)- Stephanie Meyer (I
really had fun reading this. I was traveling in Romania, which seemed
appropriate.); Les Miserables –Victor
Hugo; Faery Tale- Signe Pike; The Weight of Water- Anita Shreve; Olive Kitteridge- Elizabeth Strout; The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo-SteigLarsson;
In the Wood-Tana French; The
Bartimaeus Trilogy- Jonathan Stroud; Stern
Men- Elizabeth Gilbert. Okay, Really? I can’t do this. There are just too
many. To be continued…..
A few more....
