Lost in a Book

I pity those who do not read, especially those who do not read fiction. I’m not sure I can even describe what a great stress reliever it is to be “lost in a book”. My mother often used that term, mostly to excuse why I wasn’t paying attention to someone or something. My children probably remember, perhaps not fondly, that I often did that when they were little. I got lost in a book and they’d have to tug on my shirt or tap on my arm to make their little requests clear to me. I often cooked with a spoon in one hand and a book in the other…and it usually wasn’t a cookbook!

It started out as a choice. I escaped to the world of fiction to avoid the reality of problems in our family that I couldn’t solve. I kept my nose in a book when my grandparents argued, or our shabby house was too cold, or my brothers bickered and chased after each other. I ran away from the tedium of farm work by using my hands to chop cotton or pick grapes while my mind stayed in the fantasy world created by my favorite author. Jungles, horse ranches, fairy towns, and outer space occupied my mind for hours at a time.

I read now to relax and to escape from the concerns of the day. I usually read mysteries (crime, medical, spy), which correlates well with my love of jigsaw puzzles and genealogy. I often sit in the living room while Gary watches something on television that he enjoys. We are in the same room and speak to each other from time to time, but he knows I’m lost in my book and he doesn’t mind.

I also read out of habit. Frequent reading, once begun, is quite addictive. I can often go for a month or more without reading, especially during the summer, but then the call of the printed page tugs at me and I’m off to the library.

No, I don’t own a Kindle or Nook. Not interested, at least not now. I don’t want “one more screen” to be part of my life. I’m not one of those people who spend a lot of time waiting in doctors’ offices or at kids’ ball practices or lounging on the beach.  I understand the convenience for those who do.

I also do not buy a lot of books unless they are used or on clearance. I’m a library kid- raised by a mom who loved the library. And I’m too cheap to invest in something that will quickly be set aside in favor of the next story.  

So…this week I will spend my afternoons on research and gardening and photography and preparations for Heritage Day. But after dinner I will be lost in a book! 

Note: I am NOT ignoring that grandbaby! She's asleep. lol 

Comments

[Megan]

As a fellow reader and lover of print, I know exactly what you're saying.

1. I am not inclined to go to a digital reader. And we own smartphones and a tablet (Trent won it as employee of the month.)

2. I adore a good story. FICTION. I love fiction. Not a thing wrong with it.

We differ in that I do purchase a few books a year for myself. We're still acquiring a dozen new books a year for my children (cannot help myself), but anything above a fourth grade reading level is borrowed or checked out.

But who am I kidding? I'm reading a lot more nonfiction, scientific literature these days. Maybe over Christmas break I'll set a few hours aside to entertain myself.

Any recommendations?