Lately I have just been so engrossed with books that it has got me thinking about my on-again and off-again love affair with books. I can’t remember exactly what book that was the turning point for me, but as a child I remember reading Ann of Green Gables and loving it. I loved how they transported me everywhere. I would sit in my bedroom and read my favorites feeling like I was the luckiest girl to have it.

When I reached high school, boys were on the brain and I slowed my pace. I also remember resentment at some of the school selections I had to read and it souring me a bit.

In addition to the fictions I was reading while in college, I became exposed to more African American History books so I tried to learn more about my heritage.  I always still felt that warm feeling when I went inside bookstores and perused the shelves for a great find.  I began to find pleasure in the hunt for the next book.

Right after college, I read mostly in the summer at the beach. I discovered chick lit and would tear through them like a good chocolate bar. It was a welcome break from the serious non-fiction that I was previously reading.

While working my second real job out of college at a newspaper, I renewed my love of books.  I got exposure to many genres I never knew existed. I started reading historical fictions, mysteries, science fictions, biographies, non-fictions and realized there was so much more to books.

I joined a book club at one point and was exposed to the joy of talking books with friends. We would pick a book and meet once a month at each others’ house bringing food to eat while we discussed our selection.

After I married, I was focused mostly on my career and read mostly on vacations. I would call them my beach reads.

Years, later after my two beautiful boys were born, I struggled to find the time and energy to devote to my first love (books) and stopped completely for  a short spell.

For the last few years, I have renewed my vows with my first love and can’t get enough of them. I am opening up to even more experiences (YA, paranormal, dystopian, self-help) and so happy to have books in my life again.

Have you ever thought about your journey with books? Are they just something you do on vacation or has it been a long love affair with ups and downs?

Happy Reading!

Belinda