Bookworm

I'm having a particularly hard time staying focused lately. Probably why I can't seem to write on here as easily as I did in the past. My thoughts are so scattered and unorganized. About the only time my brain rests is when I read a book and even then it's a conscious effort. Right now I am reading "Lasher" by Anne Rice. It has been a faster read for me compared to the first in the series. "The Witching Hour" took me roughly 3 years to finish reading. Over a thousand pages but I had a lull in my desire to read. Perhaps b/c I had a life back then. Either way reading is the only way now to cease my overactive thought process. My escape from myself.

I had forgotten how much I enjoy books. A friend of mine proudly announced to me today that she won a Kindle. I'm a fan of the technological advance and the benefit of potentially being more "green" then traditional books. But I have to say I can't give up the guilty pleasure of real printed books. It starts when I hear or learn of a book I want. The hunt to find it, most likely in a bookstore. I haven't stepped foot in a library since college even though there is one about 2 blocks from my condo. Shame on me. I can't help it. I enjoy new, crisp unsoiled books.

Once in the store, being surrounded by all those books is stimulating. I become overwhelmed with all of the knowledge and entertainment surrounding me just waiting to be absorbed. There is so much of it. Then there is the smell. Fresh ink on paper. mmmm. (sidenote: part of the reason I like my job so much is I get to go on press and experience this at the source.) The other hook to books is the way it feels in your hands. So smooth and clean under your fingertips. Turning that first page is a thrill. Sound plays into the experience too. The way the spine cracks when you first open it (if it's a hardback) and the soothing swoosh of flipping page after page. It's such a satisfying feeling each time you turn a new page.

The only bittersweet component of books is the end of them. No matter if the story was captivating or bombed, there is a certain sense of accomplishment mixed with reflective sadness. The sadness is shortlived though, as my mind starts to wander on to whatever the next book is I want to read and the whole sensational experience repeats.

Plus all the cool bookmarks are fun to play with too. I know. I'm a book geek. But I can say I don't get this giddy over every single book. Some give off a bad vibe in your hand and you just know to put it back.