Through the years people and books evolve. We all begin with basic books teaching us the words. The simple pages, the simple concepts, like the cow goes moo, the bird is blue. A good Dr Seuss book still reminds me of the joy of reading. Through life we gain information, memories, and experiences. Books allow us to continue to connect to the world at large through words. We can escape to a time and place long ago in a far off land, learn new ways or dream of a utopia beyond.
Throughout my life I have been able to participate in multiple book clubs. Reading is fun, though speaking of stories is fascinating. Learning what others’ interpretations are of the same story are powerful, fascinating, and fun.
My current books that I am reading are The Covenant of Water and The New Earth.
While reading books with good characters and storylines one can escape the stresses or struggles of their lives and consider the lives of another. Good writers create opportunities to become friends with the characters, and feel such emotions that grief comes when something happens to your beloved friend in the book.
Some may think crying over a fictitious character may be silly. Allowing ourselves to connect to our sensitive softer sides of humanity is divine. Humans are delicate complex beings who are unique in their ability to have a wide array of emotions. At times life and a good book can bring us to the ugly cry. Maybe the release that comes after we let go and feel the emotions is the gift we give ourselves.
Even better is when a book causes us to laugh out loud. Reminding us that hearing ourselves laugh is another form of release.
Our libraries, our bookstores, little libraries are calling you to connect with the stories writers spent hours and hours creating just for you. When reading a book it’s like having a cup of coffee with the author. Right now someone is working on a book that someday may entertain you.
Some digest a book alone and enjoy the solitude and silence of the story, while others grab on to the story and want to share it with others. No matter what kind of reader you are, may you find a good book to carry with you to embrace while the moments of time are slowing ticking by, or keep it by your bed to wind your day down with someone else’s storyline.
May you, your book clubs, and all the writers continue to enjoy the opportunity to connect over books.
