As long as I can remember, books have fascinated me–beginning when my mother read to me and continuing as I sit down with one each evening before I go to bed.
Every morning, I solve the cryptoquote in the Rockford Register Star. A recent quote by Laura Bush was, “A good book is like an unreachable itch you just can’t leave alone.”
Years ago, when I was engrossed in a book and Ken thought I should be taking care of household chores, he threatened, “My next wife isn’t going to be able to read.” He’s still keeping me around.
One of my first favorites was “The Little Engine that Could,” by Watty Piper. It’s the story of a little blue train that helps deliver toys and food after a larger engine refuses. Despite feeling small and unsure she chants, “I think I can,” while climbing a mountain proving that determination and hard work can overcome obstacles. It still comes to mind when I prove to myself that I’m not too old to complete a task.
After I entered school and completed the adventures of Dick and Jane, I discovered Albert Payson Terhune’s writings about his collie dogs.
In high school, the first adult story I read was Margaret Mitchell’s “Gone with the Wind.” I liked how a novel could transport me from my mundane life across time and space to another time and place with exciting people.
When I’m reading and get interrupted, a bookmark always allows me to resume where I left off.
I’ve found that I don’t perfectly say some of the words that have entered my vocabulary because I’ve only read them and not heard them in conversation. Years ago, I learned the correct pronunciation of cacophony at a writers’ group I attended.
I usually read murder mysteries instead of the latest best sellers. After I’ve read them, I donate them to a used book shop at the library instead of accumulating them on a shelf.
I belong to a book club so once a month I read something that I wouldn’t otherwise know about. It’s fascinating to hear what others think about the same story.
Do you enjoy reading?