30 Days of Joy: Day 7-Books

Have you ever had a book that you couldn't wait to finish and then was sad that it was over?  Worse yet, a series of books that you've read over many years that is now ended?  This is a common occurrence for me as I love to read!  I have so many books in my home that have brought hours of enjoyment.  I also now have a Kindle which has another collection of books as well.

Switching to e-reading was something that I thought about a lot before actually doing it.  I loved sitting down with a cup of coffee and reading a book.  The feel of the book in my hands, the smell of the paper, and the bookmark I used to keep the book in pristine shape created a unique experience that calmed the stress in my life.  It was a love affair that I wasn't sure that I wanted to give up, but I finally made the switch.  I still buy actual books by the authors I have been following and collecting, but as I add new authors, I am buying them on the Kindle.

One of my favorite ways to while away the hours is to visit Barnes and Noble bookstore.  I love to roam the shelves picking up new books by my favorite authors or books by new authors that catch my eye.  I usually take them to the coffee shop area, get a cup of Starbucks coffee, and sit down to enjoy my finds.

What's new now is that when I find a book by a new author, I start up my Kindle and buy the book from Amazon.  Books by my current authors are purchased with my discount at the store.  I know many people who have gone the way of the Nook.  That's wonderful!  I chose the Kindle because I can read it on my deck in the sunshine with ease.  I think that any way that people are reading more is great whether the book is a physical copy, on a Nook, or on a Kindle!

I have a very wide interest in books.  I love science fiction, fantasy, mystery, and romance.  I read young adult as well as adult books.  I like books about other worlds, vampires, technology, fantastical characters.  I have a book with me at all times (Kindle or physical).  There are many times when I am reading two books at a time: one on my Kindle and another physical copy.  In fact, that just happened.  I have been reading a physical copy of the book  Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith while reading City of Lost Souls (Mortal Instruments #5) by Cassandra Clare on my Kindle.  I also just finished an autobiography by Cheryl Burke called Dancing Lessons that I bought at Barnes and Noble. Since I retired last July, I have read over 60 books!

Some of my favorite authors are J.D. Robb, Nora Roberts, Nevada Barr, Anne McCaffrey, Laurell K. Hamilton, Kim Harrison, Patricia Cornwell, Lara Adrian, Richelle Mead, Jim Butcher, Patrick Rothfuss, and Brent Weeks.  I did read and enjoy the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy by E. L. James, The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins, and, of course, the Harry Potter series by J. K. Rowling.  I still love the Dune books by Frank Herbert and The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

I wish to thank all of the wonderful writers out there who have brought me such joy throughout my life.  I would also like to take a moment to remember Ray Bradbury who sadly passed away Tuesday evening.  He opened my eyes to a fantastic world of books.  Thank you, Mr. Bradbury, for you truly knew the trick to letting "the beautiful stuff out"!

“We are cups, constantly and quietly being filled. The trick is, knowing how to tip ourselves over and let the beautiful stuff out.” 
― Ray Bradbury

Obviously, reading is a very important part of my life!  It brings me great joy.  I hope that you share the love of books that I have and that you will share some suggestions for new books to read.  I am always looking for new authors!  Whether you go to your public library, borrow books from friends, buy books at the bookstore, or read books on an e-reader, keep reading!

Have you found your joy today?