The Life-Long Joys of-Summer Reading

The Library Summer Reading Program was always a fun activity during my youth.  The tradition continued when Julia and Gar were young.  Little did I know, as a child, that this would help encourage my life-long love of reading.  Though I'm no longer eligible to participate in the structured goal based library programs, I've devised my own.  I've embraced a best-selling author, who Edgar has long enjoyed, starting with his just released latest mystery.  It's been fun to discover a number of this author's books in our personal library, and am enjoying a third great read.   Based upon my recommendation, Mama, also chose and is enjoying one of this author's books.

There are several mystery authors whose new works I eagerly anticipate, knowing they are sure to delight. Not too surprisingly, this love of mysteries began when I followed Mama's own childhood footsteps in devouring accounts of Nancy Drew's adventures. What fun for Mama and me to once again discover and share a series of novels that bring great joy to hot summer days.

Childhood-like Day

Only after I'd read the last page of the latest novel of one of my favorite authors, and reported my lazy day to family, did I realize that I had allowed myself the opportunity to enjoy a childhood day.  I did what I wanted to do, rather, than what I thought I should do.  (No r.s.v.p.s were neglected.)

I, thankfully, grew up in an era long before hyper programming was the norm.  My very wise Mother encouraged us to engage in many group activities, but also knew that unstructured time was great for the soul.

As a youngster, I loved Nancy Drew mysteries, as had my Mother, and fondly remember undisturbed opportunities to devour a new book.

Though I remain an avid reader, I rarely allow myself the opportunity to disengage, childlike, and spend most of a weekend day reading.

Often, when we embrace the things that brought great joy in childhood, we bring more joy to our adult years.

Joys of Reading

I've just finished another terrific novel by one of my favorite authors.  What fun it is to become so engrossed in a book that you don't want to put it down! The love of reading is a lifetime gift we can share with children of all ages.

Joy of Reading

I love to read!  Always have loved reading!  Vividly remember devouring Nancy Drew mysteries and loved the fact that Mama had also enjoyed these books.  Even during the frantic law school years, I'd make time to read Jeffrey Archer's or John Grisham's newest release.  Much of my reading is business related and I love the continuous learning aspect.  But it's always a joy, to find a great novel. 

I've just finished Peace Like a River by Leif Enger and loved it.  However, I must confess that it was an accidental selection.  This was a novel that Julia left behind.  I took it to the exercise room a couple of years ago.  After reading a few pages, I abandoned the book and inserted business books while exercising.  As luck and fate would have it, this novel found me this week. It is a delightful story of family, faith, love, miracles and loyalty.

Though life is always super busy, I've remembered that finding time to read is one of life's best stress relievers.