I have books that I love, whose pages are all scrinkly because I dropped them in the bath that have been read and reread, visited often like an old friend.
I have books that I read for peace, quiet calm meditative books that I turn to when my brain is too full for anything else.
Books make me cry - I can go and see the saddest movie in the world and be saddened but no tears, and yet to read the same story would have me weeping uncontrollably.
I have books that I gobble up greedily the minute they are released because I love the author and I know what to expect and how their rhythm works.
There are books I read for work, that are not literary masterpieces but they have just the right amount of toilet humour to encourage young kids to read, so I love them for that.
There are books that have left little shadows of themselves within me, and there are books that haunt me, stories or characters that are so real that I grieve a little when there is no more story to read.
There are books that sing, and flow and are easy to devour, that are uplifting.
and then there is this book.
which is all of the above and more.
This is my next bookclub book, so now I'm really looking forward to it!
ReplyDeleteOH Jodie thank you for sharing!You are a gem,I am so happy with this post.Not many people could limit their choice to only one book and by doing that you have made me feel a little closer to YOU!I am going to look for it now.You have made me so curious!many many thanks
ReplyDeleteExactly! You could have written exactly how I feel about books.
ReplyDeleteShall have to look that book up in the library. I love new discoveries like this.
I love your line... "There are books that have left little shadows of themselves within me, and there are books that haunt me, stories or characters that are so real that I grieve a little when there is no more story to read." This is SO SO true.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing. I have added it to my list.
Maybe you should write your own book-so eloquently said! I will have to keep a look out for your favourite-it sounds right up my alley.
ReplyDeleteThis books sounds great, I'll have to get a copy now
ReplyDeleteOk... now Im intrigued. Im off to investigate.
ReplyDeleteYou expressed this all so beautifully and now I am extremely keen to get that book.
ReplyDeleteTomorrow (with the credit card).
My mother said that you had such a great choice for her This is theme! I'm really looking forward reading this book, it must be really touching and special... Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeletexxxx Have a lovely Sunday
Have to have that book now!! You described just how I feel about reading and books. I finished one the other night and it was one I couldn't put down but wanted it to last and last. And now I'm off to start an old favourite because I just need to read it again.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you are our library lady at school Jodie. Your love for books is evident and I loved reading about it. I'm going to miss you this week.
ReplyDeleteSo beautifully written! Such a lovely tribute to books and now I'm dying to read this one just because of what you've said.
ReplyDeleteI am exactly the same about books...and still sob loudly even on the 10th read!
ReplyDeleteI haven't seen this book, shall have to look.
I lOVED the keychain idea-and all those dolls! Shall be off to ebay to trawl! Tracey
oh what isthis book?! off to google it because I've never heard of it...but I do love striped pjs...
ReplyDeleteThat is beautifully written Jodie - I get eaten by books - so I can't do anything else until I have finished them! What is so special about The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas? I haven't read it and am off to look it up on Amazon - why do you love it so much?
ReplyDeleteLucy x
Will have to take a look at that one.... Great idea to choose one favourite book!
ReplyDeleteI feel just the same about books and have to go and find out more about your favourite!!
ReplyDeleteLovely post Jodie xxxx
Thank you for such a wonderful post Jodie - you summed it up perfectly :-)
ReplyDeleteI agree wholeheartedly.
ReplyDeleteI think your book choice is superb - everyone, and I mean everyone should have to read this book. I hope it makes everyone think hard about how we treat one another. well done Jodie
oooh - look forward to checking that out
ReplyDeleteI love your 4 new dollies posted earlier - two have the names of my daughters - I was so excited! I think you've gotta keep telling the stories in your blog - they are so wonderful...and maybe just mention if the dolls are or aren't for sale yet. I don't think anyone will think you are just trying to market your etsy wares, and if they do, hey who cares? the rest of us will be loving it...and you'll save yourself havingto reply to gazillions of emails asking when they'll be up...
great key fob ideas too
I have it sitting in my bookshelf - I must get around to reading it.
ReplyDeletewow, what you said is very well written, it's like you wrote down my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteWOW! I must get my OH to read your post. He just doesn't understand about books at all. "Why do you keep them when you've read them once?" he has asked on numerous occasions. You explain so well.
ReplyDeleteThere's a little prezzie for you if you check in at my blog. Thanks so much.:0)
ooh, I have never heard of that book, but now I'm going to check it out. I couldn't pick one fave book. It would kill me, I think, so well done!!! :)
ReplyDeletealways on the lookout for a good book,thanx!!
ReplyDeletejust found your blog, and it is fantastic, could take up a whole page raving, but wont bore you with how wonderful you are..
maybe your girls could come over and play with mine?
love
I just ordered the book at Amazon. You inspired me.
ReplyDeleteI read quilting texts and magazines .... I don't really have a life :) ... Oh I forgot I 'listen' to kids books ... I could list dozens of these! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post about reading books. Soo sooo well said. So how could I not look out for this rec of yours?!??!? ;-)
ReplyDeleteLoved the book, but the ending has haunted me ever since. Couldn't stop thinking about it for a week. Can't wait to see the "new" project. You crack me up and I totally can relate. : )
ReplyDeleteI knew just reading the title that this would be about a child of the Halocaust. Such books are hard for me to read...I wept over The Hiding Place about Corrie ten Boom and The Sparrow's Song by Irma Stoll and like you said their ghosts live on in me and I am changed from reading them. As humans we share in the human condition and it's unsettling to know what man is capable of inflicting on others and heartening to know the depths of their care and compassion.
ReplyDeleteHi there - yes I have read this book - about 2 months ago. I bought it for my 11 yo son and he read it first and enjoyed it. I read it just after and cried for hours. Truly brilliant. I love reading almost as much as quilting.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter is reading this at the moment and I am next in line!
ReplyDeleteI held my breath at the end of this book from the time it dawned on me what was about to happen!
ReplyDelete