Hooked On Books

HOOKED ON BOOKS

When I get a little money I buy books; and if any is left I buy food and clothes."
~Erasmus

That is pretty much how I feel about books.

Reading has always been my passion. When I was six years old, I got my first library card. Oh, how proud I was! I remember standing in awe, gazing open-mouthed at the thousands of books that were there for the borrowing. I carefully chose three, the maximum allowed, and devoured them at home like someone starving for sustenance. Then I waited impatiently for the two-week lending period to be up. I mistakenly thought that I couldn't take out more books until the "return by" date stamped on my library card. When my sister informed me that I could return and withdraw books anytime, I was elated. From that day forward, the library became my second home. It was the first of many "book nooks" that I found myself comfortable in, a place where a whole new world opened up to a shy young girl.

As I grew older, reading became a natural pathway to writing. My literary tastes became somewhat eclectic, but this nurtured my hunger for knowledge, and that, in turn, fueled my need to write. I have a fondness for novels with substance, but have been known to read certain "scandal rags" from time to time. What can I say, we all need to lighten up on occasion! I love nothing better than relaxing in a comfortable chair at one of the big bookstores, surrounded by books, and reading to my heart's content. I visit faraway lands and experience many things without ever leaving town.

Another passion I indulge in is browsing in secondhand bookstores. Occasionally I have discovered some real treasures, such as autographed first editions, or some very old, handsome books, bound in a way that is no longer done in this century. They are precious to me, like old friends. I've never considered myself a book collector, but perhaps I am. The very smell of books makes my heart speed up a little. The rustle of their pages and the anticipation of what is inside, is a thrill only a book lover knows.

Every year one of our local charities has a huge fund-raising used book sale, and I eagerly anticipate this event. I gleefully wander the aisles, touching the books reverently and flipping through the pages for a sneak preview. Finally, I am well stocked with an armload of carefully selected reading material and a head full of dreams. Once my husband found an out of print scientific textbook he had been wanting. Know the price of textbooks, paying a few dollars for one was a real steal. He rarely comes with me now, preferring to leave me to my browsing. He doesn't know what he is missing, as half the fun is the thrill of the search!

Once I was getting on a public bus, and instead of showing the bus driver my bus pass, I had my laminated library card in my hand and unthinkingly showed him that. Without missing a beat he asked with a smile, "Lady, are you planning on reading or riding?"

Yes, I am a reader. And I'm there for the ride, however long it is.

Maria Harden
©2002

Story ID:	183
Written by:	Maria Harden (bio, contact, other stories)
Story type:	Musings, Essays and Such
Location:	Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
Year:	2000
Person:	Maria Harden