Sharing....

Earlier today, the  long-list for The Man Booker Prize 2006 was announced.  Although,  I  am not  always interested in who wins a book award I am always interested in who is nominated. Why? Well, it is simply another way to discover wonderful new books. Today, when I opened the e-mail alert with the  long-list titles I quickly reached for  my  To Consider Reading List (yes, that  is  what I call my ever growing book list that takes up multiple pages  in my Filofax) and  added even more titles to it. 

Am I a book snob? Perhaps yes, if that means that  I  often read  what many consider literature compared to what many label mass market fiction. Perhaps no, if it means that I will only read what critics deem worthy of  praise.   I have a personal library of  too-many-to-count books. A not-too-small portion of those I have  not yet read. Yet, and  please note that that yet is  written with a deep  although unapologetic sigh,  I  continue to  pine for,  desire, and  succumb to the purchase of even more books.  Is this an addiction?  Yes, I think so. It is an addiction not of possessing more  of  the printed word, but  rather  of  owning a bound copy of  the  promise of a story that will sweep me away, or transport me to another  time or place, or simply allow me  to marvel at the pure brilliance  and  magical creativity that a writer weaves with words.

When I was eight years old, Mrs. Johnson, one  of  my all-time-favourite teachers asked me what my favourite book was. I answered,  "whichever one I am  reading."  She smiled and replied, "I hope  that  is  always the case."  That particular hope has been, and continues  to be, my reality. Every-time I open a book I am beginning a new love affair. Of course, like any new love, there is the potential to disappoint, the  possibility that it will be an affair that quickly fades from memory, or occasionally I turn out to be an unworthy lover, oops, I mean reader, who disappoints the author. However,  there are those times , and I have been blessed  with many, when I fall  madly, deeply, completely in love  with a  book.  Days, months, even years after the initial read I will  look at a book sitting on my  shelf and recall  the  year, the season and  the location it was read.  I will  smile at a memory of a  loved  character  or silently recite a cherished  quote. Books are not things  in my world, they are much-loved companions. So yes, I am addicted. It is a wonderful, glorious, heart-filled  addiction. Please, don't try to cure me. I am not willing  to undergo treatment. 

Among my heroes I list authors, librarians, booksellers, teachers, and the man who is  willing to purchase two copies  of  the same  book - so that we can read it together.  Which reminds  me  that I must  now pick up two copies  of  one  of today's long-listed   books, because one  of the joys of reading is sharing that joy with others.

Shh, did  you hear that? It was the sound  of a book calling my name.

Comments

[Mamacita]

Thank you for putting into words the intense love of books I have had all my life. You've put it perfectly.

Do you re-read any of your favorites, other than your regular Solstice title?

[kenju]

A lovely tribue to one of life's greatest pleasures, Michele. They call my name as well. I have a case of books in my bedroom which are all unread, and I add to that bookcase frequently. I will get to them all....someday.

[OldOldLady Of The Hills]

Perfect Michele. You put into words so much what I feel myself about the books that I have read and loved. Especially that thought about remembering where you were and what was happening in your life at the time of that particular "love affair". Beautifully put, my dear Michele. Thank you for this.

[Last GIrl On Earth]

I love this post, Michele. I'm TOTALLY with you on this one. So many books... So little time!

[mwende]

WOW, great post. Reminds me of my mum telling me to put the book aside and help her in the kitchen when I was younger. She has simply no idea what she did to me with that kind of comments. Am glad to realize there are people who understand.

Greetings from Germany. Keep it up!

[kimbofo]

Michele, from one book lover to another, this is the most perfect post about books. Ever. Thank-you for writing it.

[Sparkling Diamond]

I whole-heartedly agree Michele! Books have always been an addiction and a true love for me. I have had to sort thru and recycle many of my books due to limited space, but I will always spend money on a book! Wonderful post!

[Isabella]

So which book are you picking up 2 copies of? (I've not read any of the longlist, but am most intrigued by the Carey.)

Did you read the article on the book-buying/book-starting compulsion (http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/06/books/review/06queenan.html?ex=1155787200&en=1e3dc84117f963a1&ei=5070)? I'm a little more restrained in my purchasing, but the to-read pile still keeps growing.

[chrysalis]

I almost always snap up anything on the Long List that I haven't already read (and may not necessarily read as my unread pile gets higher and higher).
I was surprised by The Inheritance of Loss making the list. My book club read it a few months ago and was generally unmoved.

[david]

I went on Vacation for four days and took twelve 'friends', did not open one of them, but they seemed to enjoy the ride anyway. THIS is a great post!

[Shephard]

I have read books like this... books that stick to me, stay with me, become part of me. I doubt anyone could have shared the love of books more eloquently.
~S

[better safe than sorry]

that was wonderful!
at the beginning of the summer, i made a promise to myself to read three books. after reading the first, i remembered how much i loved to read. i've been so busy with kids and activities, books have been put aside for too many years. it's the middle of august, i'm on my fifth book. i'm going to make a real effort to find time to enjoy my new hobby.

[Becky68]

Amen, Excelent post!
I come from a family of book lovers & have tried to instill in my kids a love of books With all the tv, movies, video games & computer information competing for childrens (& adult's) attention these days a love of books is the best legacy I feel I could give my kids!
As for myself I could probably live quite hapily still with out a tv set if I could have unlimited books & newspapers.

[Mamacita]

"I would be the most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves."
---Anna Quindlen

[Elisson]

Excellent post.

I remember house-hunting in Atlanta 8 years ago. One house we visited was nice enough, but it gave off a strange vibe - a soullessness, if you will. And then I realized that there wasn't a book in the entire house. We couldn't get out of there fast enough.