One of my earliest memories is when my mom took my sister and me to the Patrick Air Force Base Library. We had recently relocated to Florida and I was probably in second grade at the time. In my memories, the library was old but that didn't matter. Mom took us to the children's section and probably told us how many books we could check out. I knew then, what heaven must look like! I couldn't even begin to read all the books I wanted to read. I wanted to start at A and work my way all the way to Z. The library was such an integral part of our lives. I was always trying to read all of the Nancy Drew books, then I fell in love with some horse stories, then mysteries and at some point around junior high, Mom took me away from the Children's section and I fell in love all over again! Lloyd C Douglas and Pearl S Buck became my favorite authors. To this day, The Good Earth floods me with memories.
Reading was our passion, something mom and I shared. We would drive down River Road in Merritt Island and look at all the old, beautiful homes and see homes with towers-- of course, those were reading towers! Filled with pillows and books. Somewhere we could escape for hours if we only lived in a house with a tower.
Time has moved on and I still love books. I'm not too picky but when one author treats me with a great story, I will read everything they have written if I can. These days, I enjoy Jodi Picoult, Sue Grafton, Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham but have also read Stephanie Myers, P C Cast -- I am not too old for young adult books! I am amazed at how an author spins their story, builds their characters, and knows from beginning to end how things are going to go. I cannot fathom where George R R Martin started his story and where it will end (and will he live long enough to give us the ending) yet I don't want it to end. I want Arya Stark to grow up and Tyrion to be redeemed and find peace. So, what book are you reading? Is there a book that spoke to you-- one that made you say, this is it... this is what I have been looking for? For me, there are so many and so many more to explore!
There are two smells I will remember forever. The first one is the smell of fresh bread and bubblegum from the little store and the other one is the smell of the library at Patrick Air Force base. Books have their own smell that is glorious all on it's own but when you mix that smell with the salt air from the ocean they create the memory I remember most. I will still pick up a copy of "Harold's Purple Crayon" and open it and stick my nose in it looking for that smell. I am afraid that air conditioners have prevented the two from meeting and I will never find it again!
ReplyDeleteI love a bookstore and the library. My favorite books: Jonathan Livingston Siegel, The Little Prince, The Velveteen Rabbit and Hope for the Flowers. But I also love a good Nicholas Sparks book and Jodi Picolt too. Have you read Wonder? It's a great book for emerging middle schoolers. Love your blog!!
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