Because of Winn-Dixie by Kate Dicamillo
Main Characters: a ten year old girl (Opal) and a dog named Winn-Dixie.
This isn’t a book review, so I won’t try to describe the book, except to say that it leaves you with a pleasant feeling. I just want to tell you about one small incident in the book.
Ten year old Opal meets an ‘old lady’ in the small town’s library; the woman who owns it. During their getting acquainted chat, the librarian tells Opal that when she was twelve years old, her father told her that for this special birthday, she could have anything she wanted. Anything! She explained that he was a very rich man, and she had no problem coming up with what she wanted. She wanted a library of her own, just a small one, of course; a room/house full of nothing but books, which she would share with others. To her great delight, her father built a small house and filled it with books, where she read them and shared them with the townspeople throughout her lifetime.
Having fallen in love with books myself, even before I learned how to read; I can only imagine the joy she got from that very special birthday gift. My father certainly wasn’t rich, but even if he had been, I’m sure it never would have occurred to me to ask for such a fantastic gift. Yes, the best birthday gift ever. In its way, my recent Kindle gift is my own little room full of books.
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Books. Show all posts
Saturday, October 1, 2011
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Readers' Choices
Recently another birthday came around. Admittedly, the numbers are getting pretty high. I celebrated with family members who live in my vicinity and received lots of good wishes from others farther away. I’m grateful to, and for, all of you. I also received cards from some of my neighbors here at W.P. And someone sang happy birthday to me over the phone. When the friend called, I was at my family birthday party. The next day, when I checked the answering machine, instead of leaving a message, she had sung Happy Birthday. Nice, Martha!
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I have been an avid reader for most of my life. I fell in love with the printed word as soon as I learned how to read. Or perhaps before I could read, because my desire to do so was what led me at age four, to take my little brother and run away to school, so I could found out what was in those books. Growing up, I can remember hearing my mother say so many times, “She is probably somewhere with her nose in a book.”
As I got older, libraries and book stores became two of my most favorite places. Since I couldn’t seem to walk out of a book store with only one book and ended up with an armful, I forced myself to stay away from book stores and spent more time at the local library instead - much more economical for me.
Much has changed since that day I ran away to school so many years ago, including my vision, unfortunately. For some time I have frequented the ‘larger print’ section of the library for the most part. The fine print of newer books makes them very difficult for me to read. As do other books with smaller or very narrow fonts.
Recently, I saw a news item where book publishers were going to make these types of fonts even more prevalent, because they would use so much less ink and cut their printing costs. I wonder if they have given a thought to eye strain for the reader!
Another big change for readers is the ability to download and read books on a small computer-like ebook, called a Kindle. That was my special birthday gift this year, along with a gift card to load up [download] some books. Needless to say I was/am very pleased.
I remember the fleeting thought of wondering if I would have a problem with the font size. Knowing my love of reading and my vision difficulties, the first thing my daughter-in-law pointed out to me was that the text size could be changed to suit the reader. The case has its own built in little light, so you don’t have to worry about having sufficient light, as well as a reading size that is comfortable.
I’m looking forward to many hours of enjoyment with this new reading tool. I’ve got the Kindle and gift card register, am learning how to use it, and have downloaded one book so far. I still have one library book to finish reading, so I can take the books I now have out on loan, back to the library. Then I can concentrate on this new reading experience. That’s the special gift I mentioned, Trish.
Anyone who knows me very well knows that I have been an avid reader for most of my life. I fell in love with the printed word as soon as I learned how to read. Or perhaps before I could read, because my desire to do so was what led me at age four, to take my little brother and run away to school, so I could found out what was in those books. Growing up, I can remember hearing my mother say so many times, “She is probably somewhere with her nose in a book.”
As I got older, libraries and book stores became two of my most favorite places. Since I couldn’t seem to walk out of a book store with only one book and ended up with an armful, I forced myself to stay away from book stores and spent more time at the local library instead - much more economical for me.
Much has changed since that day I ran away to school so many years ago, including my vision, unfortunately. For some time I have frequented the ‘larger print’ section of the library for the most part. The fine print of newer books makes them very difficult for me to read. As do other books with smaller or very narrow fonts.
Recently, I saw a news item where book publishers were going to make these types of fonts even more prevalent, because they would use so much less ink and cut their printing costs. I wonder if they have given a thought to eye strain for the reader!
Another big change for readers is the ability to download and read books on a small computer-like ebook, called a Kindle. That was my special birthday gift this year, along with a gift card to load up [download] some books. Needless to say I was/am very pleased.
I remember the fleeting thought of wondering if I would have a problem with the font size. Knowing my love of reading and my vision difficulties, the first thing my daughter-in-law pointed out to me was that the text size could be changed to suit the reader. The case has its own built in little light, so you don’t have to worry about having sufficient light, as well as a reading size that is comfortable.
I’m looking forward to many hours of enjoyment with this new reading tool. I’ve got the Kindle and gift card register, am learning how to use it, and have downloaded one book so far. I still have one library book to finish reading, so I can take the books I now have out on loan, back to the library. Then I can concentrate on this new reading experience. That’s the special gift I mentioned, Trish.
Thursday, January 6, 2011
A Miracle for Josie
Plain Paradise by Beth Wiseman
This blog is about a book I recently read. We probably all have heard of the unexplained recoveries that sometimes occur in the lives of people with severe illnesses. Sometimes the hoped for miracle does not occur and we must find our way to acceptance and 'keeping on.'
I read various types of books, such as romance, mystery, western, biographies and current topics of interest. With the vision problems I’m having, I read mostly large print books. Many of the new books that have just come out are available to me at the library, if I don’t want to spend the money for them. However, most of the ‘just out’ books are in finer fonts that have become more and more difficult for me to read. Likewise the older books that I would like to go back and reaquaint myself with another look. I read recently where book publishers were espousing more and more the use of the types of fonts that use less ink. So I don't get to read some of the books I might like to. Makes a difference in the profit line, don't you know!' Never mind that it is a strain on the eyes.
The book mentioned in the title is a family love story of an unwed 17 year old girl, forced to give up her baby [apparently at a time when attitudes were much different than they are at present] and the Amish family with whom she was placed. The Amish couple hadn’t been able to have children, but after adopting the baby girl, they later had two sons. The 17 year old went on to marry a good man and they were devoted to each other. However, she was never able to have another child.
Josie never got over the loss of her child and resented her parents for forcing her to give away her baby. She longed to establish a relationship with her lost child before her impending death, due to an inoperable brain tumor. A prayer chain for Josie was established all over the country, begun by her daughter, Linda’s, Amish family and their friends. Linda was approaching her 18th birthday, and Josie wanted very much to celebrate that one birthday with her, and watch her blow out the candles on her birthday cake for the first time. Time was running out and seizures were becoming more frequent. You will need to read the book for yourself if you want to know more..
In the notes at the end of the book, the author reveals that she was an adopted child also. And while the book is fictional, a miracle in her own life occurred after her son was diagnosed with a tumor, spent a lot of time in hospital and many prayers were said for him. The tumor disappeared and he made a full recovery. The author says, “Josie’s story is my son’s reality.”
This blog is about a book I recently read. We probably all have heard of the unexplained recoveries that sometimes occur in the lives of people with severe illnesses. Sometimes the hoped for miracle does not occur and we must find our way to acceptance and 'keeping on.'
I read various types of books, such as romance, mystery, western, biographies and current topics of interest. With the vision problems I’m having, I read mostly large print books. Many of the new books that have just come out are available to me at the library, if I don’t want to spend the money for them. However, most of the ‘just out’ books are in finer fonts that have become more and more difficult for me to read. Likewise the older books that I would like to go back and reaquaint myself with another look. I read recently where book publishers were espousing more and more the use of the types of fonts that use less ink. So I don't get to read some of the books I might like to. Makes a difference in the profit line, don't you know!' Never mind that it is a strain on the eyes.
The book mentioned in the title is a family love story of an unwed 17 year old girl, forced to give up her baby [apparently at a time when attitudes were much different than they are at present] and the Amish family with whom she was placed. The Amish couple hadn’t been able to have children, but after adopting the baby girl, they later had two sons. The 17 year old went on to marry a good man and they were devoted to each other. However, she was never able to have another child.
Josie never got over the loss of her child and resented her parents for forcing her to give away her baby. She longed to establish a relationship with her lost child before her impending death, due to an inoperable brain tumor. A prayer chain for Josie was established all over the country, begun by her daughter, Linda’s, Amish family and their friends. Linda was approaching her 18th birthday, and Josie wanted very much to celebrate that one birthday with her, and watch her blow out the candles on her birthday cake for the first time. Time was running out and seizures were becoming more frequent. You will need to read the book for yourself if you want to know more..
In the notes at the end of the book, the author reveals that she was an adopted child also. And while the book is fictional, a miracle in her own life occurred after her son was diagnosed with a tumor, spent a lot of time in hospital and many prayers were said for him. The tumor disappeared and he made a full recovery. The author says, “Josie’s story is my son’s reality.”
Friday, June 4, 2010
Milestones
Today is my daughter’s 65th birthday; a very important milestone, indeed. I believe she wanted to grit her teeth and yell, “Noooo!” on some earlier birthday milestones in her life; although she looked forward eagerly to each new experience of life’s milestones and was in a hurry to make them happen. I also believe she is embracing this milestone with grace, wit and the enjoyment of a life well lived, and the blessings of having a wonderful family.
I found a book in our small ‘residents library’ that was titled, “1,003 Great Things About Getting Older,” by Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, Patricia Marks and David Owen. I am not at all sure that I agree, or accept the full 1,000 plus statements, but being curious I checked them out.
One quote was by Bernard Baruch, a statesman, financier, etc., well known for his sagacity during an earlier part of my adult life. He said, “Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” I’ve heard this statement many times, with variations; most frequently using a ten year age gap, perhaps because we become more fully aware of the years as we begin each new decade.
The other quote here is by Groucho Marx, a well known comedian of the day, “Growing old is something you do if you’re lucky.” A variation on that is “Growing old is not so bad when you consider the alternative.”
Getting older is something that begins from the day we are born. There is nothing we can do about that except enjoy each day, month, year as much as we can. There are some things we can control in our lives by the decisions we make. But there is much that is beyond our control and we must find a way to accept it, live with it, or change it if we can.
I have said that “Life is like being on a runaway train that you can’t stop, so you might as well enjoy the ride.” I was never too much concerned with advancing milestones and enjoyed whatever age I was. So, if you ask me if I am still enjoying the age that I am in the ninth decade of my life, the answer is, “As much as I can, but not as much I would like to.” The chief obstruction in that path being the after shingles pain that I’ve had to deal with, which is now rapidly marching down the last half of its second year. It does keep me from doing some things I would like to do, and succeeds in making me more miserable, when I do some of them anyway for short periods.
Medications have not helped, but created other problems, while making me feel rotten at the same time. I try to ignore the pain, using mind over matter, keeping my mind busy, etc. No, I have not neglected prayer, but for whatever reason, God is leaving it in my life.
Another quote which I believe was a part of a song said, “Into each life some rain must fall, but too much is falling in mine.” The rain in my life is nothing compared to what many others have endured. I, too, am richly blessed in having a wonderful family, which includes not only today’s milestone daughter, but a second daughter and a son as well. Of course along with that are the spouses of said children, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Lord has indeed smiled on me.
I know you are enjoying this milestone birthday today. I applaud you for embracing it with your usual verve, and wish you many more such happy occasions.
I found a book in our small ‘residents library’ that was titled, “1,003 Great Things About Getting Older,” by Lisa Birnbach, Ann Hodgman, Patricia Marks and David Owen. I am not at all sure that I agree, or accept the full 1,000 plus statements, but being curious I checked them out.
One quote was by Bernard Baruch, a statesman, financier, etc., well known for his sagacity during an earlier part of my adult life. He said, “Old age is always fifteen years older than I am.” I’ve heard this statement many times, with variations; most frequently using a ten year age gap, perhaps because we become more fully aware of the years as we begin each new decade.
The other quote here is by Groucho Marx, a well known comedian of the day, “Growing old is something you do if you’re lucky.” A variation on that is “Growing old is not so bad when you consider the alternative.”
Getting older is something that begins from the day we are born. There is nothing we can do about that except enjoy each day, month, year as much as we can. There are some things we can control in our lives by the decisions we make. But there is much that is beyond our control and we must find a way to accept it, live with it, or change it if we can.
I have said that “Life is like being on a runaway train that you can’t stop, so you might as well enjoy the ride.” I was never too much concerned with advancing milestones and enjoyed whatever age I was. So, if you ask me if I am still enjoying the age that I am in the ninth decade of my life, the answer is, “As much as I can, but not as much I would like to.” The chief obstruction in that path being the after shingles pain that I’ve had to deal with, which is now rapidly marching down the last half of its second year. It does keep me from doing some things I would like to do, and succeeds in making me more miserable, when I do some of them anyway for short periods.
Medications have not helped, but created other problems, while making me feel rotten at the same time. I try to ignore the pain, using mind over matter, keeping my mind busy, etc. No, I have not neglected prayer, but for whatever reason, God is leaving it in my life.
Another quote which I believe was a part of a song said, “Into each life some rain must fall, but too much is falling in mine.” The rain in my life is nothing compared to what many others have endured. I, too, am richly blessed in having a wonderful family, which includes not only today’s milestone daughter, but a second daughter and a son as well. Of course along with that are the spouses of said children, the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The Lord has indeed smiled on me.
I know you are enjoying this milestone birthday today. I applaud you for embracing it with your usual verve, and wish you many more such happy occasions.
Monday, March 29, 2010
A Story of the Heart
The Swan House by Elizabeth Musser
Paper Back 442 pages – For those with good sight that's okay. My eyes would like a little larger font. I need lots of light to read paper backs. For me, some are almost impossible.
I’ve just finished reading this book and I’m not sure how to tell you about it. So, I’ll just list some of the things you will encounter. Atlanta, Georgia – time period early 1960s: a devastating plane crash; the privileged and unprivileged; wealth and poverty; prejudice and understanding;reaching out in hatefulness and in helpfullness; Christianity, an involved, personal relationship vs going through the motions; artistic talent, depression, yearning and learning youth. It is a beautiful story, haunting in its sadness and uplifting in its hope.
Paper Back 442 pages – For those with good sight that's okay. My eyes would like a little larger font. I need lots of light to read paper backs. For me, some are almost impossible.
I’ve just finished reading this book and I’m not sure how to tell you about it. So, I’ll just list some of the things you will encounter. Atlanta, Georgia – time period early 1960s: a devastating plane crash; the privileged and unprivileged; wealth and poverty; prejudice and understanding;reaching out in hatefulness and in helpfullness; Christianity, an involved, personal relationship vs going through the motions; artistic talent, depression, yearning and learning youth. It is a beautiful story, haunting in its sadness and uplifting in its hope.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
A Blessing Book
Christmas Stories for the Heart – Compiled by Alice Gray
Warms the heart - speaks to the soul.
Wanting to feel something of Christmas, I picked up this book on my last library run, and found many touching, heart-warming stories in it. One in particular that appealed to me was The Manger Was Empty, retold by Casandra Lindell, about a missing baby Jesus from a local church’s nativity scene. After searching around the church, the pastor reported the missing baby Jesus to the congregation. All were disappointed to think someone might take baby Jesus from the nativity scene.
Later in the afternoon, the pastor took a walk around the area and saw Tommy, a small boy he knew, pulling a wagon. As he came closer he saw baby Jesus, wrapped in a blanket, lying in the wagon. The pastor made it clear to little Tommy the seriousness of taking baby Jesus. The small boy looked up,tears beginning to slide down his cheeks and said, “But Pastor, I didn’t steal Jesus. It wasn’t like that at all. It’s just that I’ve been asking Him for a red wagon as a Christmas present for a long time—and I promised Him that when I got it I’d take Him out for the first ride.”
Another story was titled Daily Gifts by Charles Swindoll. He makes a number of one line suggestions, such as: "Mend a quarrel. Express appreciation. Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly. Encourage an older person." This last one might be difficult for me to do, if it means someone older than myself. I live in a seniors complex and right now I’m the oldest person here that I know, though I think there may be a few residents older than I am. I suppose I’ll just have to assume that everyone here is older than someone. Or maybe he means anyone who falls in a certain age category. [So you ask, where does old begin? I used to ask myself that; I don't anymore. Perhaps that too will become another blog.] Mr. Swindoll suggests maybe doing one of these gifts per day leading up to Christmas. [But why stop there?]
There are numerous other suggestions for giving gifts of yourself. Mr. Swindoll ends the list of gifts with the following:
“Let’s make Christmas one long, extended gift of ourselves to others. Unselfishly. Without announcement. Or obligation. Or reservation. Or hypocrisy. This is Christianity, isn’t it?”
Warms the heart - speaks to the soul.
Wanting to feel something of Christmas, I picked up this book on my last library run, and found many touching, heart-warming stories in it. One in particular that appealed to me was The Manger Was Empty, retold by Casandra Lindell, about a missing baby Jesus from a local church’s nativity scene. After searching around the church, the pastor reported the missing baby Jesus to the congregation. All were disappointed to think someone might take baby Jesus from the nativity scene.
Later in the afternoon, the pastor took a walk around the area and saw Tommy, a small boy he knew, pulling a wagon. As he came closer he saw baby Jesus, wrapped in a blanket, lying in the wagon. The pastor made it clear to little Tommy the seriousness of taking baby Jesus. The small boy looked up,tears beginning to slide down his cheeks and said, “But Pastor, I didn’t steal Jesus. It wasn’t like that at all. It’s just that I’ve been asking Him for a red wagon as a Christmas present for a long time—and I promised Him that when I got it I’d take Him out for the first ride.”
Another story was titled Daily Gifts by Charles Swindoll. He makes a number of one line suggestions, such as: "Mend a quarrel. Express appreciation. Give a soft answer even though you feel strongly. Encourage an older person." This last one might be difficult for me to do, if it means someone older than myself. I live in a seniors complex and right now I’m the oldest person here that I know, though I think there may be a few residents older than I am. I suppose I’ll just have to assume that everyone here is older than someone. Or maybe he means anyone who falls in a certain age category. [So you ask, where does old begin? I used to ask myself that; I don't anymore. Perhaps that too will become another blog.] Mr. Swindoll suggests maybe doing one of these gifts per day leading up to Christmas. [But why stop there?]
There are numerous other suggestions for giving gifts of yourself. Mr. Swindoll ends the list of gifts with the following:
“Let’s make Christmas one long, extended gift of ourselves to others. Unselfishly. Without announcement. Or obligation. Or reservation. Or hypocrisy. This is Christianity, isn’t it?”
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Time Saved, Time Lost, Lesson Learned
Two weeks ago Monday I picked up several books from the library. Thinking ahead, I got a couple of more books than I thought I would read. It seems I outsmarted myself. My plan was to renew them online, saving myself a trip, and still have plenty of reading material until I was ready to take them back. They were due Monday of this week. Late afternoon, I went online, checked “All Books;” then checked "Renew all.” Up popped the message, “Can’t renew. Book has been requested.” That has never happened to me before in all the times I’ve renewed books here. When I did go to the library, I had several errands planned for that direction. I wasn’t ready to do that yet. I wanted to go to Dierberg’s, which is in the opposite direction, so I could replenish some of their deli foods. I didn’t feel like going anywhere yesterday, so put it off. Today, I thought I’d better get over there and drop off the books, so whoever was waiting for the one on request could have it.
I didn’t want to do all the errands I had planned today, but that would mean I would just have to make another trip that way soon. I decided I would go ahead and do all the errands in that direction anyway, and then on the way back, pass up my street, then on to Dierberg’s. When you don’t want to cook for just one person, it is nice to have some ready-cooked food on hand.
First I drove to the library. These were all right turns on the way out. Coming back, I made three left turns and two right turns to get back home. After I left the library, I stopped at the gas station to fill up my gas tank for the first time in just under a year, by me; and by anyone, for more than seven months. I had my son-in-law fill up the tank for me, when they were here at Christmas 08, so I could take advantage of the cheap gas price at that time. I didn’t think ithe price would stay that low very long. Today the gas was not cheap! Next I drove to City Hall to pick up “Blue Bags,” the city’s recycle bags for paper, plastics, cans, and bottles. Coming back, it was a straight shot down Mexico Road to Salt Lick to go to Dierberg’s, where I spent too much money. I left home just before 12 noon and got back home about 1:30 p.m. By that time I was ready for lunch, and then some.
When I turned in the books, I told the librarian, I had tried to renew that one book too, but couldn’t because it had been requested, so it was overdue a couple of days. After all that, as she checked in the book, she told me that it had been released from the request. Apparently another book had come in, or perhaps from another library. So, I wouldn’t have had to go in that direction after all today. I could have gone to Dierberg’s late morning, so the deli foods I wanted would be ready, and have done a more leisurely junket for all the other errands [no doubt more would have been added later] at another time. NEXT TIME, I’ll call and see if the book is still on request, so my conscience will rest easy, and I won't have to make an unnecessary trip.
I didn’t want to do all the errands I had planned today, but that would mean I would just have to make another trip that way soon. I decided I would go ahead and do all the errands in that direction anyway, and then on the way back, pass up my street, then on to Dierberg’s. When you don’t want to cook for just one person, it is nice to have some ready-cooked food on hand.
First I drove to the library. These were all right turns on the way out. Coming back, I made three left turns and two right turns to get back home. After I left the library, I stopped at the gas station to fill up my gas tank for the first time in just under a year, by me; and by anyone, for more than seven months. I had my son-in-law fill up the tank for me, when they were here at Christmas 08, so I could take advantage of the cheap gas price at that time. I didn’t think ithe price would stay that low very long. Today the gas was not cheap! Next I drove to City Hall to pick up “Blue Bags,” the city’s recycle bags for paper, plastics, cans, and bottles. Coming back, it was a straight shot down Mexico Road to Salt Lick to go to Dierberg’s, where I spent too much money. I left home just before 12 noon and got back home about 1:30 p.m. By that time I was ready for lunch, and then some.
When I turned in the books, I told the librarian, I had tried to renew that one book too, but couldn’t because it had been requested, so it was overdue a couple of days. After all that, as she checked in the book, she told me that it had been released from the request. Apparently another book had come in, or perhaps from another library. So, I wouldn’t have had to go in that direction after all today. I could have gone to Dierberg’s late morning, so the deli foods I wanted would be ready, and have done a more leisurely junket for all the other errands [no doubt more would have been added later] at another time. NEXT TIME, I’ll call and see if the book is still on request, so my conscience will rest easy, and I won't have to make an unnecessary trip.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Love Affair
I have been an avid reader all my life, since I first learned to read at age five, and fell in love with the printed page. We did not have many books in our home, so I read what was available: magazines, newspapers and the books at school.
At the small rural school we attended, the number of books was limited. I went through them all, and when I had done so, I re-read some of them again and again. There were two books in particular that I recall: one I read 11 times, and the other 13! Many of the other books I read more than once, but I apparently didn’t keep count, though the number wasn't as great as those mentioned above.
When I began high school, the library was larger, and I started work on that. In English class, we had to read and make a book report, up to a certain number of points per year. In the first few weeks, I devoured as many books as possible, making a report on each one. One day I realized I had accumulated 80 points in short order, way over the required number. I thought, “Whoa! You have to stop reporting, or you will run out of new books for reports in later classes."
As the years went by, access to larger libraries and book stores became available. I might go in a book store looking for a specific book, and carry out an arm load of books. It was like that commercial about not being able to eat just one chip. I couldn’t go in a book store and come out with just one book. So I decided to limit my visits to book stores.
The cost of living being what it is today, and within the limits of my income, I now get most of my reading material from the library. Also, I have no space to keep many books in my current living arrangements.
Another problem was that, when I read a book, I became totally absorbed in it, and didn’t want to put it down until I finished reading it. So I didn’t read a lot of books when my children were young. I thought they were a greater priority for my attention, and I enjoyed spending time with them. Most of my reading material at that time, was newspapers and magazine short stories and articles, which could be read and put down in a short period of time, without neglecting the greater focus, my children. There you have it; after all these years, I’m confessing to a love affair - with books. One my husband couldn’t object to as long as he had sufficient attention also.
At the small rural school we attended, the number of books was limited. I went through them all, and when I had done so, I re-read some of them again and again. There were two books in particular that I recall: one I read 11 times, and the other 13! Many of the other books I read more than once, but I apparently didn’t keep count, though the number wasn't as great as those mentioned above.
When I began high school, the library was larger, and I started work on that. In English class, we had to read and make a book report, up to a certain number of points per year. In the first few weeks, I devoured as many books as possible, making a report on each one. One day I realized I had accumulated 80 points in short order, way over the required number. I thought, “Whoa! You have to stop reporting, or you will run out of new books for reports in later classes."
As the years went by, access to larger libraries and book stores became available. I might go in a book store looking for a specific book, and carry out an arm load of books. It was like that commercial about not being able to eat just one chip. I couldn’t go in a book store and come out with just one book. So I decided to limit my visits to book stores.
The cost of living being what it is today, and within the limits of my income, I now get most of my reading material from the library. Also, I have no space to keep many books in my current living arrangements.
Another problem was that, when I read a book, I became totally absorbed in it, and didn’t want to put it down until I finished reading it. So I didn’t read a lot of books when my children were young. I thought they were a greater priority for my attention, and I enjoyed spending time with them. Most of my reading material at that time, was newspapers and magazine short stories and articles, which could be read and put down in a short period of time, without neglecting the greater focus, my children. There you have it; after all these years, I’m confessing to a love affair - with books. One my husband couldn’t object to as long as he had sufficient attention also.
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