The Joy of Books

Ever since I can remember, I've had books. As a child, my mother would always buy me a Little Golden Book each week at the grocery store. I suppose that is where my love of reading and books begin. She also always read to me and let me follow along with her at a young age. It's never to early to start a child's education and development. If one is taught at a young age to read and enjoy books, then they are less likely to feel intimidated when they start school.

There are books out there for everyone. Libraries and bookstores can be the most exciting places. Fantastic adventures await that are only limited by the imagination. When I pick up a book and start reading, I become immersed in a world not my own. Everything else seems to just melt away and I'm there...flying on a dragon's back, hunting vampires, or travelling in an uncharted land with kings, queens, and castles.

There a many authors to choose from based on the genre of interest. My personal recommendations include: the late Arthur C. Clarke who was a master of Science Fiction, Deborah Chester for Fantasy and Anne Rice for Horror/Vampires.

While fiction takes you to magnificent places, nonfiction teaches us all about a myriad of subjects. The possibitlies of things to learn about are endless. Want to fix a car, take up a craft, or peak into history? It's only a book away.

Many will think it pointless to promote reading in an age where it's much quicker and easier to watch a movie. And I do love movies, but books are a completely different type of recreation. Generally I feel much more connected to the characters in the novels I read. Advocate reading where you can, encourage young and older people alike. It only takes a moment to get a library card and it's totally free. It always amazes me at the number of people who have never even really read a book by choice. School's forced literature is a put off for many, but when you choose to read what you enjoy, it's completely different. I believe that anyone can benefit from the unique experiences a book can bring.