I was in a bookstore today and I enjoyed my time there very much. It seemed at that point that I was fuelled by enthusiasm and not excess caffeine. The excess caffeine came later. Anyways, I walked around and found several books that I may want to read. I felt hungry for them. It was exciting.
I love books and reading and bookstores and today I wondered exactly what that means. Sure, some people would probably just enjoy the experience, maybe buy a book or two and leave. Not me. But the question that I ask when someone loves books is "What is it that we really love?" It's not that I love only one kind of book - I like fiction, memoirs, local history, writing and other genres. Is there a common thread? Is it the visual element of books, or is it words, knowledge, escape, learning? Maybe different books offer us different thrills. (Am I a total geek if I find books thrilling? Hmm.) But it still seems strange to me that if something is in book form (and e-books are fine with me too), I feel it has something to offer.
I suspose it's not really worth questioning this love. It's one I share with many other people and since reading is a hobby that's not dangerous to others or self-destructive, I should enjoy it and stop thinking so much. I'm so glad there are books, book reviews and bookstores. Now if I could just finish reading the many books I have on the go, I might let myself buy a new book or two. Here's to being immersed in books and loving it!
JAHD
As I've said many times....reading builds empathy to the world...because you put yourself in another's shoes and walk around in them...just like Atticus Finch said was the only way to understand someone. I feel like you. Reading is freedom....and escapism. Books are a beautiful thing and no wonder the printing press remains the world's greatest invention of all time.
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