Reading has always provided an escape for me from the hectic and the humdrum. If you came into our house, you would see books and magazines everywhere. In EVERY room we have at least one area devoted to reading. We even have a dedicated "library" room!
As an avid reader, age is starting to wear on me. I can no longer read anything without glasses. Even in a bright light, I still have to grope for a pair of reading glasses. All I can say is THANK GOD for the dollar store. My eye doctor said that as long as the cheap readers work, to keep using them so I have pairs of glasses stashed all over the house. (Maybe I will make that a game!). I also find that sometimes the book I have waited for at the library is one I have already read! So, now I have a rolodex of books I have read as well as an online list. (Visual bookshelf via facebook)
When I read I am transported. The older I get, the more I realize how much of a part my reading has had in shaping who I am. I am very grateful for the teachers in my life who exposed me to great literature (I am looking at you Miss Klister from St Pius X in Atlanta!!). I reread the books we discussed over and over. My favorite book is The Great Gatsby by F Scott Fitzgerald. I have read that book at least 25 times! I am so glad it is required reading in so many high schools because when the kids are reading it, I get another chance to discuss and analyze it. When I was sick this summer, I even listened to an audio version! The cadence and flow of the writing never wears old. I am consistently transported to a grander more decadent time. Gatsby continues to throw his shirts in the air while Daisy laughs, the green light still is at the end of the dock.
There are so many books I truly love and , even now, I discover new authors all the time. Currently two of my favorite books are Pillars of the Earth and The Maltese Falcon. I had to read these for book club but what lovely discoveries!!! My favorite authors right now are Jodi Picoult (who always writes interesting books with timely subjects) and Scott Turow.
Book club nights are a joy for me. Reading is a solitary activity and I absolutely LOVE being able to discuss and debate the books. We are currently reading Woman Warrior and Sarah's Key. Both books are interesting (I *love* Sarah's Key!) and I can't wait to see what others have to say. In addition, our town is reading "The Maltese Falcon" as a city. There are things all over W-S to attend ~ film noir showings, discussions,lectures...it is fascinating. I love sharing the things I glean from these books with others! In fact,today I am going to see "The Thin Man" at a small downtown cinema which is being sponsored by the library system. It's so encouraging to find these small treasures in my own city!
Some of my friends comment about my reading habit asking me how I have time or saying that they wouldn't put their free time into reading. I make time to read. I choose to read. I think it is something which adds to my quality of life. I love the portability and the feel of a book in my hand (not too big on the electronic readers). I like meeting the people in books or revisiting old characters. I love the symmetry of good writing. And the sound!! Oh the joy of a perfectly written sentence! Nothing like it.
Today is an overcast and rainy day. A perfect day for some herbal tea and a good book!
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