My Passion for Page Turning

I never read as a child that I can remember.  I’m sure I did, but don’t remember it as such.  In high school, I’m sure I had to read books for English class, but can’t recall off the top of my head what exactly.  In college, I read textbooks, cover to cover and didn’t have much leftover time to read for pleasure.  And, to be honest, it never really occurred to me to read for pleasure as silly as that sounds. 

Almost five years ago, I was asked to join a book club and thought it would be something I might enjoy and thought I’d give it a try.   Our first book was written by Jodi Picoult and was called “Songs of the Humpback Whale.”  I vaguely remember the story and that it was written in reverse (chronologically) if I remember correctly.   Well, five years later, I think it’s fair to say that I should own stock in Barnes and Noble and have quickly made up for lost time.

Reading has become a passion of mine now and almost always have a book in the car or in my purse “just in case” I have a few minutes to get to the next chapter.  I thoroughly enjoy reading and will read just about anything (or at least give it a good shot).  I have my favorite types of books however and they most regularly include the topics of small towns, nosy neighbors, some truth that needs to be revealed, faith and simple people leading simple lives.  I don’t normally enjoy anything law, or anything involving meat cleavers, dark alleys or creatures with green skin. 

I’m currently reading “Change of Heart” by Jodi Picoult, and honestly, cannot put it down.  It came to me via my mom, who has read since she was 4 and has probably read more books than all of us combined. Honest. 

If you aren’t a reader, I understand.  You don’t have to explain it to me. However, if you do enjoy this  page turning activity, then I will leave you with a short list of titles that I have found interesting, moving, uplifting, and about 10 more adjectives could be inserted here.  I hope there’s at least one on the list you haven’t read.

The Help by Kathryn Stockett

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

The Shack by William Young

Between Georgia by Joshilyn Jackson

Walking Across Egypt by Clyde Edgerton

Beach Music by Pat Conroy

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

The Red Tent by Anita Diamant

Tally Makes Five

Today is one of my favorite days.  It’s book club night and I get to host.  I’m really looking forward to it.  I’ve been doing this for almost five years and truly enjoy it and the company of some of the most wonderful women (and mothers) around.   We usually spend about 10 minutes (sometimes more, but not usually) talking about the actual book and whether or not we liked it and the rest of the time is spent just chatting away about life, kids, diapers, teens, vacations and the like.  It’s always enjoyable and I always walk away feeling wonderful and energized from the conversations.

I think in the five years we’ve been doing this, I’ve only not read the book of the month perhaps four times. (One, because I just couldn’t get into it and another because I put it on my ipod to listen to while working out, only to find I had it on shuffle for the first two days. I know. Pretty stupid.) Well, tonight I have to put another hash mark on that tally and make it five.  The worst part is that I picked the book for this month.   I guess with packing and moving and unpacking, I just didn’t have time for it.   I know that’s an excuse, but I still feel bad for not reading my own choice.  I love to share thoughts with everyone and participate in the conversation.  I guess this time I’ll just have to sit and smile and hope everyone else read it and enjoyed it.  I plan on reading it, and actually am on page 23 right now.  Honest.

Maybe I’m not the only one this time.  Summer and kids don’t always make for much free “sit and read in peace and quiet” time.  My kids are too little for naps and I’m too old to stay up late and read.  I guess I’ll find out soon enough.   The book is Belong to Me by Marisa de los Santos.  Let me know if you finish it before me.  Happy reading.