As soon as I got into the library I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. I got a whiff of the leather on all the old books, a smell that got real strong if you picked one of them up and stuck your nose real close to it when you turned the pages. Then there was the smell of the cloth that covered the brand-new books, the books that made a splitting sound when you opened them. Then I could sniff the paper, that soft, powdery, drowsy smell that comes off the pages in little puffs when you're reading something or looking at some pictures, a kind of hypnotizing smell.
-- Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, p. 54 (2000 Newbery Medal Winner)
When I first read that passage, it was as if Curtis was looking directly into my memories. That's exactly how I remembered the library I used to go to as a young girl. My mother would take me there, and I recall her pointing out books she thought I might like. I think I liked them all. It was especially thrilling when she'd say, "I think you might be ready for this book now." Then I knew I was moving up in the reading world.
Once I was old enough to ride my bike to the library, that's what I did. I'm trying to think how far away it would have been from my house. Perhaps two or three miles. I would go every two weeks (that's how long a book could be checked out for). I'd pile the books on the back of my bike and strap them on. Then I'd ride to the library, and turn them all in. I'd browse the stacks, savoring all the possibilities. Eventually I would choose my books. I'd get two or three new books, and two or three that I'd already read (just like visiting a good friend often). I'd ride home, and devour the books. I repeated the process every two weeks. I was beside myself if I didn't have something on hand to read. Luckily we had a lot of books at home also. I went to the library like that for a long time.
Reading to me is not just visual, it's tactile also. I love the feel of a book in my hands. I prefer the weight and substance of a hardback, but a paperback will do just fine. I enjoy the feel of the paper. In hardbacks there is more variety of paper, and more chance for a great feeling paper. I notice the font and layout of a book too. The smell of each book is distinctive. I don't put my nose right to the book, but I can't help noticing the smell. Old books' and new books' odors are vastly different. The binding makes a difference too. All these are subtle things that add to my reading experience with each book.
For Mother's Day (a little early), Ray gave me a Kindle. For those of you who don't know what that is, it's an electronic book - sort of. You can download books and read them on the Kindle (go check it out at Amazon - it's hard for me to explain). Sort of like a hand-held computer, but just books, magazines and newspapers. It's the ideal solution for me for travelling. I'm not going to lie - when I travel, about half the weight of my luggage is the books I bring along. After all, what would happen if I ran out of reading material !!?? Now I can have all those books in one lightweight, fits-in-my-purse Kindle.
I've regarded the Kindle with not a little trepidation. So this week I jumped in and read a book on it (Wormwood). Here's my evaluation: I liked it. It will never replace a real book, but I did find it easy to use and easy to read. There are a couple of things I don't care for. There are no page numbers, just the percentage you've completed reading. I like to know right where I am in a book. Depending on the book, I may want to slow down and have it last a little longer, or I might try to rush and get the last part done quickly. It's hard to gauge that on the Kindle. Also, I am a very visual person. When I read a book, I see it's cover and author every time I pick up the book. That is one way I remember if I've read a book, and it is for sure what helps me remember who wrote it. Sometimes when I'm searching for a book on my shelves I'll know to look for a yellow spine, or a certain font in the title, etc. With the Kindle you don't see the cover except when you first start the book.
The Kindle won't replace reading a real book for me. Luckily, it doesn't have to. I have room in my life for both. I will enjoy having many reading options in one small package when I travel. And I can enjoy the full experience of a real book the rest of the time.
The best part about the Kindle: it is so easy to hold hands with Ray while I'm reading. I don't have to let go of his hand to turn the page!
This is the latest in the China Bayles series. These books have been consistently very good.
Here's his captivated audience. The boys had a lot of fun watching Ray:
I had a lot of fun watching everyone! 
The blocks all have something to do with the life/times of Joseph Smith.
Another Georgette Heyer book. These are clean, light romances, so far all of them set in the early 19th century. I think The Grand Sophy may still be my favorite so far. 
Excellent movie--twists and turns, suspenseful, great acting. I don't want to give it away - go see it!
I didn't think Spring was ever going to get here. Then we had two days of snow to prove it. This morning I sat down to eat breakfast, and looked out the window. The leaves have already started emerging! In just a week there is a big difference:
I looked out in the back yard, and we have one bush that has bravely gone forth and started to bloom. All the bushes around it are still barren - not even any leaves. It gives me joy to look out and see these flowers, braving the cold, and still shining forth:
Once I noticed those flowers, I looked around and noticed the ground cover starting to bloom:
Spring is on its way! Last Sunday it was nice enough for a little while that Debra and Madeleine could sit out on the porch and enjoy the rocker:
