Soothing Benefits of Reading

I've always loved to read. My father was a serial reader, always had his nose in a book (would have made a great university prof) and when I was sick, often brought me a book to keep me occupied and cheer me up. Some of the books were too old for me, but I loved the feeling of snuggling into bed with a book on my knees.

I completely understand Book Clubs, and the need people have to talk about their reading experiences. Years ago, I was employed by a large company in Winnipeg. One of the women in the company was also a great reader and whenever we bumped into each other, in the hallways or the elevator, we spoke only about books: books we had read, books we recommended and books that had made an impact on our lives. I know nothing about her personal life, but I can tell you what books she read and loved.

Books connect us to each other in a special, intimate way. The books we choose, like or love say a great deal about us. My friend Marilyn and I both loved the book "Birdsong" by Sebastian Faulk and when we talk about it, we both get that faraway look in our eyes as we travel in our minds' eye back to 1914 France. No, we weren't actually there but we feel like we were and we also feel like we shared a special experience.

When an author actually writes the sensitive words of life experience, I feel that something inside me has been opened up and it helps me to appreciate the tiny moments of life. It's the small things we remember: the sunlight on a flower, the calling of a meadow lark, the stillness of a lake at sunset.

The written word reminds us of the mysteries and magic of life experience.

The woman in the photo of this blog isn't me but she looks just like me when I relaxed on a beach in Prince Edward Island a few years ago. The book I was reading?

Birdsong.