bookworm

I've always been a bit of a bookworm.

Growing up, when I wasn't in school or playing outside or in the basement, you could find me curled up with a book. It started with basic picture books, then simple chapter books and finally into full-length ones. "New books" were an evergreen item on my birthday and Christmas lists, forcing my dad to nail up some extra shelves to store them. Luckily the public library was only a short bike ride away, so we could borrow more books than we had to buy.

In my middle school English classes, we participated in the "Accelerated Reader" program where we read books and took tests to earn points. Every student was required to earn 15 points every month or two; I read so much I earned about 15 points every week. It was supposed to be a contest to see which student could earn the most points, but there wasn't anyone who came a close second to me. My parents have a picture from middle school graduation of me proudly holding up the prize: a navy blue t-shirt with "Acclerated Reader" written in yellow.

When I got a job at a publishing house, it seemed a little like a dream come true at first. I got to read books, work with authors, then tell others about the authors/books. And I got paid to do it. For the most part, it was wonderful. But not everything I had to read and promote was what I would have chosen for myself. Which ended up being a good thing sometimes. I was introduced to a variety of different ideas and authors that I otherwise might not have ever been introduced to.

But when I started my new job in health care, I went on a book boycott. After having to read books for work-even ones I really enjoyed-I felt like I needed a break. So instead of books I curled up with a magazine, or sat at the computer and read blogs. I didn't touch the stack of books on my nightstand.

Two months later, I got hungry again for a book and realized it was time to end the boycott. I missed the feel of a good hardcover or paperback, the sound of turning pages, the joy of good prose. I missed reading by lamplight before bed and allowing myself an extra chapter...or two...when I should have been sleeping.

So I got myself a library card, checked out four books and now a week and a half later, I've finished two books and am part-way into the third. The bookworm is back.