February is "I Love To Read Month," and I'm so glad I do love to read! Every book is a new world to explore, a new life to inhabit, new things to learn. I don't know if I love to read so much because my mother read to me, or because my dear childhood friend, M.L., six years older than me, taught me the alphabet and how to read by the time I was four, or if I would have come by it naturally without their influence.
One of the reasons I love having a Kindle is because, no matter where I go, I can carry an entire library with me. However, nothing could ever replace the feeling of holding, then opening an actual book. If I've read it before, there are old friends waiting to greet me. If it's a new book, it's a voyage of discovery. I have books that were gifts from my mother, my grandmother, M.L., my father and my sister. When I hold one of those books, it's as though the person who gave it to me is right there with me.
To paraphrase a quote from Sydney Smith, "Thank goodness for books! What would the world do without books? I am glad I was not born before books!"
(The painting is by Homer Winslow, 1836-1910, a detail from "The New Novel")
I have been a book addict since I was a child too! <3
ReplyDeleteLove the painting.
ReplyDeleteThat is a truly lovely image.
ReplyDeleteWonderful words about the delight of books.
I read a lot when I was young to disappear into other, fantastical worlds.
My bookshelves are lined with ancient faery tales, stories old and new and oh so many reference books... each one of them good friends.
I sigh contentedly when opening an old book and drinking in the musty smell.
Oh Victoria - I do love to read as well. I have a Kindle but there is nothing that can replace holding a book in your hand and turning the page. The painting by Homer Winslow has always been a favorite of mine. From one avid reader to another - enjoy this reading month. Hugs!
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