I was on a call this morning. It was really really early in the morning and the person we were waiting for didn’t realize the time had changed (he was in europe where the time hasn’t changed yet) and so he didn’t show up. Instead of hanging up, two of us stayed back and started talking about my values.
She asked me what I would need the most in the world and I said only my kids and my husband. I have faith that if we’re together, we can figure out the rest. And then we started talking about more second-level stuff. Like what would I want assuming I had my family, shelter, food, etc. I said books. Books have been an integral part of my life for as long as I could read.
That’s over 35 years.
She asked me what it is about books that I like. At first it was the typical stuff: learning, the escape, the stories, etc.
But then I realized it’s not that at all.
I like books because they give me a sense of belonging.
When I am reading, I don’t ever doubt my place in the world. Books don’t reject me. It’s a place that waits for me and accepts me no matter what. I can read on a good day, on a bad day, and every day in between. I don’t ever have to doubt myself, what I say, what I look like, what I worry about. The books are always there and they create a space for me that’s mine.
Without judgement.
I know it’s not like friends or family. And I am not comparing. I am just saying that books are so much more than an escape for me. They are not a fun past time. They are not simply a tool to learn. They are not silly. They are not something to do on the beach. They are not even just a path to sanity and quiet.
They are my place of belonging in the world.
And, for that, I am wildly grateful.
You shed an interesting perspective on why you love and need books in your life. I too am a book lover. I get tremendous comfort and security knowing I have my book(s)I’m reading to turn to. My problem is I’m all too often reading more than one book at a time.
BTW, do you sell your prints?
I’ve noticed that I do that with non-fiction but not with fiction. When I am reading non-fiction i read little bits, digest it and jump around etc. Maybe cause I am not fully into a story like I am with novels. With novels, I rarely read multiple at the same time and get mad at myself when I do because I know that what’s most flavorful for me is really savoring one at a time. 🙂
I’ve never really sold my art before. As an experiment this year, I am only selling these 6×6 originals: http://www.karenika.com/archives/category/art/sixbysix .If it has the little paypal button it means it’s still available for purchase and I put a new one up each Friday. thank you so much for asking 🙂
I have been a reader forever like you! I am currently reading one book a week (similar to your book a week) but some years I have averaged 3 a week. I love many types of books and I have this thing about finishing them even if I don’t care for it….I MUST FINISH (maybe it will get better)!!! My fourteen year old daughter also reads 1-2 a week, her books really have helped her self-esteem and have helped her make more friends at school.
I love your insight on books. I grew up reading and this love has held true no matter how much I change. I never thought to look too deeply into why I loved it so much. I just assumed the obvious (escape, fantasy, new insights) were the reasons. You have given me more pause. I agree books are there no matter what. They help define you in a safe manner. Thanks for giving me food for thought.
Karen, I have been reading your blog for a couple of weeks. I listened to your last discussion on the Paperclipping Roundtable, and I have to tell you, of all the guests on that show, you are the one who inspires me the most, whose words I keep turning over in my mind long after the podcast is over. The intention and industry with which you live your life cause me to ask myself some good, hard questions. That is the best kind of inspiration.
And with today’s post you have put into words the reason I love books, though I am not sure I could have articulated it. I am immersed in Kate Morton’s The Secret Keeper right now, and it does make that place to belong in the world for me, while I dwell in it.
Thanks so much. I am glad I finally sought out your blog.
I loved reading your thoughts on books, totally agree with you. Books have been a big part of my life adn will forever. I’ve always said the only place I feel at home besides my own home is the library. ALWAYS ALWAYS!!
Thanks so much for this fun read!!