Oh, for the Love of Books!

I am feeling rather sorry for myself at the moment. I am an avid reader. Well, I was an avid reader. I mean, I adore books, always have done, and I always have reading material to hand wherever I go. But lately I have found myself exhausted as a result of several domestic upheavals, and as a result I finished reading one book and actually didn’t start reading another for nearly two weeks. That is shocking!

I don’t think I have ever gone so long without holding a book and taking time to savour the pages and their contents. Anyway, I am relieved to say I have since rectified this problem, although I am only two chapters in to my latest paperback from the pile in my bedroom. I have chosen to read Torment by Lauren Kate, since I enjoyed her first book in the series, Fallen, so much. The novel itself is a hefty paperback, which is what I needed, since I also feel like I have neglected my beloved friends recently in favour of my new Kindle Fire HD.

I suppose we all have times of drought, so to speak. This particular drought was not a surprise to me in the circumstances, but it was quite distressing nonetheless. My fellow book lovers will understand, I am sure. Well, my children are in bed, I am catching up on some work, and then I am off to read a chapter… or two!

*Image of Catherine reading from personal collection; Image of girl reading courtesy of Tumblr

My Daughter, the Bookworm

Yesterday was Mother’s Day in the UK. I celebrated with a day out at our local craft and antique centre with my 2 year-old daughter, my younger sister and her partner. We love Dagfields Crafts and Antiques. Situated in the Cheshire countryside, close to the borders with Staffordshire and Shropshire, it is a hidden gem for bargain hunters. Well, not too hidden, since when we arrived at lunchtime the car park was full and the shops (barns) bustling with activity.

The main reason for our visit yesterday was a bookshop called Booklore. It is a wonderful place, a sanctuary. The shop sells second-hand, new and rare books of all descriptions. It also has a dedicated music room but I have never ventured to that part of the shop. I usually head straight for the New Age/Spiritual/Occult book section, because that is where I find a lot of my favourite and most useful non-fiction books.

As I mentioned before, we had my daughter with us. She is a precocious 2 year-old, full of enthusiasm and curiosity. I didn’t expect her to remain still for long in such a place, especially since we didn’t take her stroller with us. I was pleasantly surprised. We must have been in Booklore for over an hour, with me, my sister and her partner quickly becoming absorbed in our search for book bargains. My daughter picked up a very intellectual looking book, sat down on the floor, and proceeded to ‘read’ it!

Eventually she grew bored of that particular book, whereupon she decided to bring some selections for my sister. It was quite amusing to watch her scurry along to the crammed shelves, select a couple of paperbacks, and bring them over to thrust into my sister’s hands. Finally, my daughter decided that she had had enough of reading, and then she discovered she could run around the bookshelves in a circuit, which kept her entertained for a good ten minutes or so. Fortunately for us the shop was quiet so we didn’t disturb too many other customers!

I didn’t actually purchase a book in the end, which has to be a first for me. I finally realized that I have more than enough stacked up on my overflowing bookshelves at home, and so I exercised enormous restraint and self-control. It was hard though! My daughter had a lovely day, as did my sister and her partner. I always feel so much happier and more relaxed after a visit to Booklore. It is like my church I suppose…