Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers.” ~Charles W. Eliot
Most people only have to know me for a short period of time before they learn that I’m sort of obsessed with books. I love books. I love reading. I love book stores. But–most of all–I LOVE public libraries. See, buying books takes money. Buying books the way I read them takes LOTS of money. I am poor. Thus, I let my library buy the books…and then I get to read them…for free (as long as I manage to return them on time!).
For as long as I can remember, my mother chaperoned regular trips to our local public library. There was much anticipation and excitement on library day, and the four of us probably ran amuck in the library quite often. My poor, run ragged, genius mother cultivated a passion for reading in all four of us kids. And then she proceeded to spend exactly 45% of her precious time extracting our noses from books in order to participate in some of life’s less important activities, such as meals, school, and chores.
A coworker who also enjoys reading mentioned to me the other day that she has trouble coming up with books she wants to read. She said she gets a bit overwhelmed when she walks in the library, because she’s not sure how or where to find a book that she will enjoy. And I realized that there are probably lots of readers with the same problem.
First, what is it that makes a book great? Personally, I like the following definition:
You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.” ~Paul Sweeney
This is going to sound a little Facebook-esq, but here are my Thursday Book Suggestions for your next literary friend…
Kids:
The Tale of Peter Rabbit by Beatrix Potter
A childhood classic written by one of my all-time favorite kids authors.
Older Kids:
A River Ran Wild: An Environmental History by Lynne Cherry
Educational, but still fun, this book tells the story of a river through the years. I read this book over and over growing up and was very sad when my copy got destroyed during one of our moves.
Young Adult:
Shiver by Maggie Stiefvater
If you liked Twilight, you will likely fall in love with this book, too. The writing often borders on prose, giving the book an artistic feel all its own.
Adult:
Angels & Demons by Dan Brown
Everyone who enjoys books should give Dan Brown’s a try. His books are heavy on the details, yet action-packed, giving you a fast paced read with substance.
P.S. My library – The Washington Centerville Public Library – has an excellent resource webpage for finding your next favorite book.
Aspiring Alverna 