It's summer - grab a book!

I didn’t notice the gentleman on the other side of our car when I, loudly and happily, started humming a little ditty.

I glanced up only after I had opened the door. He smiled at me. Immediately, I stopped my senseless tune and sheepishly smiled back. My husband Frank, who had already slid into the driver’s seat, laughed. I ducked into the passenger side holding the source of my pleasure. A new book. Our son Dan had given me a gift certificate for my birthday and now I was the proud owner of, "The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis.

As we drove home, I chatted non-stop about the joys of reading. I happened to glance over at Frank and saw he was wearing a ridiculous grin.

"What’s so funny," I asked.

"You!" he replied, "you get so excited over a new book."
When compared to all the small pleasures of this world, I believe reading ranks closely, if not, at the top. The pleasure is heightened on a summer’s day if one is able to relax in a lounge chair with a cool drink. Likewise, a blazing fire, a mug of hot chocolate and a good novel makes any winter’s day delightful.

The inscription over the door on the great library at Thebes which was established in the third millenium BC reads, "Medicine for the Soul". Indeed, there is a book for any and every need or desire. Whatever your fancy, be it history, gardening, cooking, novels, autobiographies or…there is a volume waiting to befriend you.

Many people, myself included, have cherished memories of parents, grandparents or teachers who took the time to read to a child. Strickland Gillian sums it up with these lines. "You may have tangible wealth untold; caskets of jewels and coffers of gold. Richer than I you can never be – I had a mother who read to me."

Indeed, reading enhances one’s imagination and provides lasting treasures. It’s summer. How about joining me with a cool drink outdoors. I’ll grab my book, you grab yours.  

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