The gift of books

As I was looking over the list of books in my previous post, I was struck with the fact that with some of the books I could recall what was happening in my life as I was reading them. I took a trip down memory lane as I recalled some of the titles.

For example, I remember sitting in a hotel room reading Ann-Marie MacDonald's Fall on Your Knees because I was working out of town. I remember a hot summer afternoon on my deck reading Mistry's A Fine Balance. Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett takes me back to the beach in Cozumel, and Steinbeck's East of Eden recalls a Saturday morning spent reading in bed and telling my husband that this was the best book that I had ever read.

Books have been a constant throughout my life. Not only have I enjoyed so many wonderful books, I also have many touch points to life experiences when I recall those that are most special to me.

One more reason that books are truly a gift.

9 comments:

Kathleen said...

Interesting thoughts. I'm going to have to think about the books I read and see if they connect to anything specific in my life. Likely they do.

Right now I'm enjoying true stories, most of them biographies, of people living in the 1700s. I'm not sure why, but it seems to be such a pivot point in history.

Have a blessed day,
Kathleen

M. Bail said...

I've had the same experience. The story in the book is intertwined with the story of my life. I can often remember what I was cooking when I was reading and stirring, or, same as you, where I was when I was reading certain books. It's actually kinda fun!

Donna M. Kohlstrom said...

I can remember many books that seem to mysteriously appear in my life at the time I needed to be reading their story!

Anita said...

I couldn't agree more with your sentiments! I honestly don't think that since I first learned to read, I have ever been without books! I can remember that in the 3rd grade, my favorite book was, "Charolette's Web" , or how going over to my granny's house I always wanted to read her copies of, "The Little House" series. There is one that always makes me think of spring and summer and life and it's, Ray Bradbury's " Dandelion Wine".

Terri Tiffany said...

I'm amazed that you can remember where you read a book. I have a hard time even remembering what I've read!

Kathryn Magendie said...

Yes...they are -- libraries and books were my sanctuary as a child and young woman....books are my joy ... my life!

Anonymous said...

I'm especially fond of Diana Gabaldon's, Outlander series.

Anonymous said...

Hello! :)

Carmen said...

Hi Linda, good post! BTW, is that baked spaghetti you're eating? Yummy! A family favorite!