Happy National Book Lovers Day to me! And to you, of course.
I am a book lover. I think I’d feel like a fake if I worked for a company called BookTrib and wasn’t someone who authentically loves to read. Seriously, would you want to read something about books written by someone who’s apathetic, or even actively disdainful, of books? I think not. I certainly wouldn’t.
So, this disclaimer is to assure you that this article has been written by (and edited by, because my coworkers all actively delight in books as well) someone who has an active library card, a reading list growing at a terrifying rate and plans her trips around visits to the best bookstores in town. You, book lover, are seen.
I grew up on books, have befriended books, battled books, belittled books and beloved books throughout my life. It’s a relationship that will never require closure. Sometimes, the world swirls like a snowglobe, and my perspective shifts with harsh alacrity, but one thing that increased maturity has taught me is that you’re never too jaded to access your imagination. Insatiable childhood curiosity? Pick up a book. Moving to a new state? Pick up a book. Starting college? You’re definitely gonna have to pick up some books. A pandemic? You know what to do.
So here are some that serve as pushpins on the poster-board-roadmap of my reading journey. Sure, maybe some other books have had more literary import, personal resonance and intellectual provocation, but these are the sticky ones that hold together my motivation to open, commit to and finish yet another novel.
Here’s to doing so again and again. Here’s to that obnoxiously long reading list. Here’s to you if you share the story.