11 Apr Wednesday Wisdom: A reader lives a thousand lives

Reading has always been my solace.

It is the place I escape to to relax and unwind. I will nearly always choose a good book over a film or tv series. There is just something about immersing yourself in the world created by the author that cannot be beaten.

Depending on my mood I will read different genres, I am no elitist! I love everything from crime and detective novels, to classic romances and sci fi. While I do own a kindle I still love to read paper books and I find that if I do start reading a series on my kindle and I really enjoy them then I will want to buy them in paperback form!

I always remember reading a quote when I was younger saying that a home with books was one without a soul. I’m paraphrasing there, as the actual quote escapes me. But it always resonated with me. And in all my de-cluttering and minimising I will never throw out my books.

Which is why I love this quote by George R.R Martin.

That a reader lives a thousand lives before he (OR SHE) dies. Because it is so true, the worlds and characters that a good book creates will stay with you. Those that grew up with the Harry Potter books will always have a space in their hearts for Harry and his friends. And they in turn will tell their children those books.

Last year I also started using my local library again, and it is fantastic. I have discovered so many new authors, and rather like a food buffet have dipped in and out of so many books I would never have bought. But with the library if you don’t like them you can just bring them back.

Charity shops are also a great place to buy books and again a great way to find authors and give new genres  a try that you otherwise wouldn’t.

I would love to know what your favourite books are?

What lives have you lived through the written word?

What countries have you seen through the pages of a novel, what worlds have you explored?