Books let us into their souls
and lay open to us
the secrets of our own.
William Hazlitt
Books are a learning experience, an escape from our daily grind, and an introduction to characters we soon identify as friends or people we hope to never be. We learn about other cultures, the rhythm of different life styles, and personal experiences whether fact or fiction. Some books change our lives forever.
My love for reading began very early in my childhood. I spent a great deal of time with little Golden Books filled with fantasy, like Frosty the Snowman, Cinderella, Snow White, and Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. Grade school definitely opened my range of reading choices, and read I did.
Fortunately, there was a neighborhood library branch I passed every day walking to and from school. When I outgrew the school library, I became an avid library card holder!
By seventh grade, I had completed reading all of the books offered to elementary students. I received special permission from the branch library to begin reading books reserved for high school students. I was a familiar face to the librarian and over the years she guided me in selecting wonderful literature.
In college, there were several book readers and we would pass our favorites around. When looking for a new author, referrals were plentiful.
After college, I worked part time, was married and soon had my first child. It became more difficult to find like minded readers and selecting books took a lot longer than ever before.
As a mother of four, my reading once again returned to children’s books, passing my love for reading onto a new generation. These reading experiences with my children enhanced my storytelling abilities as well.
When visiting with a friend's mother, I asked if she had read the latest 'love story' novel and she replied, "Oh no! I have not read one of those in years. As I have grown older, I have become much more selective of what I put into my brain." She was right of course and again my direction changed. I discontinued fiction all together focused on non-fiction entirely.
Once retired, years later, I was eager to spend every part of my day with the luxury of reading. Having plenty of time, I once again broadened my reading and included fiction. Reading remains my favorite escape.
Fictional characters and non-fictional individuals have been my teachers and on occasion a best friend. Books have remained a constant, a constant escape and a forever friend.
We all have time to read between appointments or waiting for someone to pick us up. Maybe a short while before falling asleep, a good read would help settle us in. A daily inspiration in the morning only taking seconds to read can set the tone for the remaining day. Volunteering to read to others or to our grandchildren are both very valuable.
You could begin an adventure today!
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