B📚📚KS

My friend Cheryl asked me the other day why I haven't posted anything since December. My response was simply because I haven't taken a trip for months. Then I started thinking about the 27 books I've read so far this year. It made me realize that every time I crack a book open, I am indeed traveling to where the author sends me.

Books are an escape, they transport us to places we go in our imagination and beyond. I have loved books even before I could read myself. My mother would read to me diligently and I absorbed every word. When I was able to read on my own, I would make my way every Tuesday evening to the Bookmobile where I would take out enough books to get me through the week. Beverly Cleary had me hooked with her story of the Quimby sisters Beezus and Ramona. I could relate to the nine year old narrator Beezus, and her tales of trying to get along with her younger sister. Judy Blume and her Fudge books had me in stitches. Her book "Are You There God? It's Me, Margaret" was one of my favourites, following Margaret Simon's journey into puberty with her secret club of girlfriends that discussed boys, bras, and their first period. 

Then I discovered a kindred spirit in Lucy Maud Montgomery's Anne of Green Gables. The character of Anne was both charming and dramatic and the adventures she faced with her bosom friend Diana, left me wanting more. Lucky for me, Montgomery wrote several sequels. 

I've always loved reading. It's been my solace and escape, has passed the time on many journeys and despite what some believe, the book is always better than the movie. I've owned a library card for most of my life. I love the smell and weight of books. Stepping into a library or bookstore immediately calms me and time stands still.  I love opening a novel, anticipating where the story will take me and what I'll learn. Discovering a new author is rewarding. I enjoy my Book Club discussions and sharing our thoughts and opinions over a drink. This year alone, my books have taken me to Ireland, Japan, L.A., Nebraska, Palestine, Heaven, and even my own city of Windsor. Here's a few that have stuck with me.

The Travelling Cat Chronicles by Hiro Arikawa is a delightful story of Nana the cat and his owner Saturo. They travel through Japan in a silver van, visiting three of Saturo's lifelong friends. This story is about connections, love and loyalty. 

I lived in Japan for almost seven years and could easily picture the scenery described in this story. Although I'm a dog person, I could still appreciate Saturo taking in this stray cat and the bond the two made over a number of years together. 

Fifteen years ago, Mitch Albom wrote, The Five People You Meet in Heaven. His sequel, The Next Person You Meet In Heaven is just as endearing. The first novel follows the life and death of a maintenance man named Eddie and he reappears in this novel. The story centres around a girl named Annie-who Eddie saved on Earth-and reunites with him in her own heavenly journey. This book will open your eyes to the what matters and that endings can also be beginnings. 

In Normal People, author Sally Rooney tells the story of Connell and Marianne. They meet in high school, both are intelligent but come from very different backgrounds. Despite their differences, they find a connection. The story follows them to Trinity College in Dublin and the dynamic of their relationship changes. 

Although the story is simple, centring around class distinction, first love, friendships and family, Rooney weaves a tale that is interesting and captivating. 

This is Kirby holding one of my favourite books this year, Daisy Jones & The Six. It's a fictional book about Daisy Jones, a beautiful girl with an amazing voice and a band she joins called The Six lead by singer Billy Dunne. Set in the 70's, this is the ultimate story of sex, drugs and rock and roll. The story is a chronicle of one of the biggest bands and the reason they broke up just when they were getting famous.

Jenkins Reid hooks you from the beginning and there is a twist at the end that will grab you. 

Although I haven't been on a plane since last October, my books have taken me to a number of countries and lent me stories that I've delved in. I'm heading to New Orleans next week for my brother's 50th. I'm looking forward to getting away but I will most certainly have a book in my carry-on to pass the flight. If you have a favourite book or author, feel free to share it with me as I am always looking for recommendations. Until next time, happy reading!







~MT