Happy National Book Lovers Day!

For book fanatics, today is almost better than Christmas! Here’s what I’m planning for my own celebration, along with a few favorite book lover quotes. Hope you’ll be able to join in the fun.

Visiting the Library.

The smell of old books, the crinkly plastic dust jackets and stacks upon stacks of free books. “The library is the temple of learning, and learning has liberated more people than all the wars in history.”  Carl T. Rowan

 Dropping in on some old friends.

What was your breakout book? The one that sucked you in like nothing before and changed your whole outlook on reading…and life? Lord of the Flies tops that list for me. Started it this morning and am loving my time with Piggy and Ralph. “The thing is – fear can’t hurt you any more than a dream.” William Golding

Sharing the joy.

Less than a block away, one of my neighbors has erected a little free library. It is painted a cheery red and I live for the days that I drive by and someone is there browsing. Little free library is a nonprofit organization that promotes neighborhood book exchanges. There are more than 90,000. Find a new read or leave a favorite story for someone else to discover. Check out this website to find a little library near you.

Having tea with Bilbo.

Some writers just know how to write food.  The Van Tassels feast in The Legend of Sleepy Hollow is written so vividly you can taste the donuts, pies and cakes.  Just thinking of the first chapter of the Hobbit, An Unexpected Party, filled hungry dwarves eating seed cakes, apple tarts and raspberry jam has my mouth watering. I’m serving tea at 4:00 and serving this delicious tart. 

Treating myself.

Deadlines. Responsibilities. Life is stressful but reading is a respite from the cares of the day. Researchers have found that reading reduces stress, keeps the brain sharp and can even help you sleep better. Will finish the day, as always, slipping away with a cozy read.

Be fearlessly you,

Julie