Books

The last few days I've been seeking refuge from the world in books. I had to go renew my library card, because I lost my old one ages ago and hadn't used it while I was in college because I had the college library to work with. I've also been building my collection, as always, since I feel you can never have too many books. I've always loved to read, loved being so absorbed in a story that I can look up and realize that hours have passed and not regret it. My favorite genre is fantasy, and even as a small child I loved finding different worlds to explore. Narnia, Discworld, Redwall, Middle-Earth, Hogwarts, you name it. As I got older I started to appreciate history and biography as well, and some religious books intrigue me. Reading is soothing, an escape from the drudgery or frustration or stress of the world outside. I get so involved and engaged in my favorite books, I'd love to have been born an Elf in Middle-Earth, or a mouse in Redwall Abbey, or even a witch on the Discworld. I've speculated with friends about what it would be like to go to Hogwarts, and even the anthropological uniqueness of the wizarding world. I used to have hours of conversation about literature with my friends in school, and I miss that so much. Thus my desire to become a professor of literature, so I can share that love with others and engage students in the same stimulation that has always appealed to me about reading. So comforting to have people who understand that. I also wish I could buy books from the library, on a side note. There's just something about the smell of old paper and the feel of library binding under my fingers. I'd love to find a reason to be able to read for a living.