My current readings...

remember to thank all the books you haven't read over the past three years
Originally uploaded by ailatan

I fell in love with the library at the ripe young age of 9. During the summer my Mom would take us there. My library card was the one controlled element in my life. I recall checking out at least 13 books at a time. I kept them under my bed and would spend the entire summer in my room, on the trampoline, or under the shade of a tree devouring book after book. In High School I recall staying up until 4am just reading to finish a book. I even aspired to be a great author one day.

As an adult I learned that books are my weakness. I will neglect my home and barely entertain my children if there is a book nearby. Since my children, save it be for one, have been with their step-mom for the last week, I dared to pick up a few books.

In the last week I have read "The Kite Runner" and "The Catcher in the Rye" both of which I enjoyed immensely. See, when I read a book... I don't just read the words. I involve myself. I feel the way the book would have me feel. I experience all the joy, love, pain and sorrow that the book has me feel. It leaves me completely vulnerable to all that the turn of a page sees fit to give me. To stop and put it down is like putting someone's life on hold for that moment. As if I am doing a great injustice to the main characters of the book.

If I could surround myself with the things that I love the most, it would be my children and my books. I look forward to having the children come back from their visit.... I plan on having them go on a great southern adventure with Tom Sawyer and myself.