There aren't too many things I enjoy in this whole wide world more than a good book. I am actually talking about a solid object made with ink and paper. Bound with a cover. Something with a little weight and heft to it. There is this magical quality about the feel of a book in one's hands. Or the smell of bookstore that moment you step inside. Maybe that's just the little coffee shop I'm thinking of but still, nothing quite compares to a place that is filled with the knowledge, adventures and experiences contained in the pages of the written word.
Growing up one of my absolute favorite places to spend the afternoon was the library. I would lose myself in the world spun by each word the author carefully crafted. In my mind I was one of the boxcar children afraid of their Grandpa who actually loved them, I had a photographic memory like Cam Janson and I solved mysteries with Encyclopedia Brown. My mom used to call me to set the table three or four times before walking into the living room, only to find me so engrossed in my epic adventure that I was lost to this reality.
As I have gotten older I still love the escape that the written word provides. But as with all things time has changed me. Now I no longer expect there to be a happy ending. I see books through the lens of my life experience instead of the wonder of a child. I find myself analyzing the characters and their reactions to challenges in a decidedly grown up way. That being said there must be some of that kid in me still; even now there is still that one storyline or person I find myself identifying with and rooting for whatever it may be I am currently reading.
There is nothing quite like really good writing. It still feels like Christmas morning every time I find an author that can bring me to tears over the emotion hidden in the pages of their work. They are few and far between. But those few gems that I do find I want to collect and tuck away.
So today I ask you. What treasures of literature have you stumbled across?
I love books! I so wish I had time to read for fun, still. Maybe someday. I usually get a book or two in over Christmas!
ReplyDeleteThe worst part about good books is that they end. You know that they go on living even after you close the cover, but it's hard because you are no longer a part of it.
Can't list them all here. If you want the full list, refer to my fb page. My most recent favorite, however is one called Red Glass. It's gorgeous. Also, I'm enjoying a lot of Sherlock Holmes at the moment.
ReplyDeleteAs far as endings go, I think I like that books end. I didn't used to. I still kind of resent that the Narnia series ended. However, it means you have to grow into new books and new books are exciting. There is so much richness in getting a new book to own. :)
omg...there's soooo much...but the most recent would be The Sword of Truth...such an epic adventure and love story...and a pretty easy adult level story...i love it...highly recommended...i'm reading a lot of cs lewis right now though...
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