Book Love

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....