Thursday, January 29, 2009

So Many Books, So Little Time


One thing I've always known about myself is that I am a true book junkie. I love the covers, the smell of the paper, the weight of a book in my hands and the written word. I've loved to read since I was a toddler and could hold a book and pretend I was reading. I remember how excited I was when I first learned how to read and I would practice my reading every moment I wasn't outside playing with friends.
When I was in 4th grade, Mrs. Shaw, the librarian at Dean Road Elementary School, finally told me, "Susan, you've read every book in here". I know that was an exaggeration, but it wasn't completely untrue. The only books I hadn't read were a few in the science category. I did read most of them, though. My favorites at that time were biographies of historical figures and I can still see the covers in my mind. I also was a Nancy Drew fanatic. I went to Grant's at Glendean Shopping Center faithfully every week to see if a new Nancy Drew book was on the shelf. Of course, I was too young to know they only came out every few months, but I could hope, and imagine my joy when there it was, a brand new Nancy Drew with a yellow, textured cover and a title that just begged to be read. I couldn't get home with my new prize fast enough. I would devour my new book in hours and then the wait for the next one would start all over again.
In my books I was a president, a detective, a nurse, an explorer, a doctor, you name it and I was happy. I would visit the most wonderful, exotic places like Pine Valley, River Heights, Sleepyside, a pirate ship or the museum. Most of my friends couldn't relate to my love of books, but I just knew they were jealous when I would tell them of my latest adventure.
Over the years my tastes have changed, but one fact remains, I still love books. I go to the bookstore faithfully every week searching out the newest mystery, cookbook, biography, devotional or magazine. My to be read pile is more of a to be read wall, but it makes me happy to see those beloved and cherished books full of new friends ready to welcome me into their world.