For the love of books

These are some of my favorite books. The list is not complete, by any means. I merely reached for the closest ones from the bookshelf. What are your favorite books?

A trip to the library has always been like winning the lottery. I've been thinking a lot about books lately- their purpose, the process in which they are written, and how they come to be on the bookshelf- well, it is my job. But still.

An Instagram friend [@sarajanecase] recently posed the question, "How would you simplify a description of your work for a five-year-old?" Put simply, I help people write books and stories...and then I guide the writers to tell other people about their books.

Books are ideas, imagination, dreams, and knowledge. Throughout history, they have been both praised and banned for their power. Sadly, in many ways they have become just another commodity or product to market. But they are so much more than dollar signs or mere trophies with souvenir signatures for future heirlooms. I don't know the answer to solve the problem, but the roots lie in our love for reading- and talking about what we read...conversation is the key.

Take a moment and pull your favorite books from the shelf. If you are a writer, then you know very well the gut-wrenching process it takes to write- let alone get published. Writing a book is like giving birth to a child. Then, after the lengthy gestation and arduous labor when time for publication is finally near, we send them out into the world like children. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a myriad of gifted and wise people to "raise" a book- a mix of amazing editors, publishers, literary agents, indie bookshops and more- who all BELIEVE in the magic of books and stories.

Celebrate your favorite writers by reading their books, and take a chance on a new author the next time you peruse the bookshelf. Then take thee to the coffeshop or thy nearest eating establishment, grab a few friends, and tell them about the book- what did it make you think about or ponder, or how did it challenge you? Reading is the key, and talking to each other.

Keep reading- keep writing!