Straight from The Horse’s Mouth

"Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life." Joseph Addison

Author Stephenie Meyer's vampires are a source of obsession for many. There are people who have read all four of the "Twilight" books in one sitting, while others read them repeatedly. They know what it's like to be absorbed in a good book and become agitated near the finish, not wanting it to end. These are the experiences that turn readers into bibliophiles. When immersed like this, reading skills are fostered and mastered. Without effort attention span is enhanced, and confidence is increased. A little obsession can be useful.

The saying "You can never step into the same river twice" illustrates how you can be fascinated with a book, and upon revisiting it years later, wonder what you ever valued there. The same is true in reverse; a book that we do not "need" in one season of our life can be breathtaking later. Have you ever had the 'right book at the right time' fall off the shelf at your feet? We get what we need.

In front of me are two autobiographical books. They are similar in that both tell of the author's life experiences and are humorous, but the parallels end there. The first is by a Nobel Prize winning theoretical physicist who combines his story with his love for science. The other is by one of us, a regular joe, who shares his opinions and observations of life 'back in the day'. One book requires intense cerebral application and the other is a comfortable easy read. Both have value, but probably to readers of divergent needs or interests.

Fiction can be used to escape, to take a mental vacation. Happy, easy books are terrific soothers. Fanatical reading requires that relationships with (non-vampire) real people are maintained and our jobs get done. Non-fiction is good when we have the energy for mental gymnastics. It fills the need for erudition, expanding on a new subject and exploring complicated ideas. Just as we are constantly being transformed by our experiences, we are further refined by our books. No matter what or why you read, the whole process of choosing a book, becoming obsessed (or not), and finding yourself changed afterward is fascinating.

The summer break is winding down. Stop in THM for a visit. If it doesn't automatically jump out at you we can help point to just the right read. (schedule note: Scrabble at 6:00 on Monday, August 3rd, and we're hosting a book signing for local author Terry Keeling on August 7th also at 6:00. "When I Get To Be King" is his personal account of life in Leon County.)