I used to daydream about being a housewife so I could spend all my time reading. I quickly realized a bit more is expected from a housewife and I would hate it, but I just wanted to read.
One thing I find fascinating about books is how reading them changes. My understanding changes each time a re-read a book, or pick up a book I refused to read before.
Chances are, you are more familiar with this book as movie then as fiction. That's okay. I did a book report on the movie*. I loved the movie so much that I was determined to read the book, because I knew the book would be loads better**.
But I couldn't read it. Not because it was above my reading level, mind you, nor because I ran out of time (ahem). But because I didn't get it. I was in 8th grade and I so desperately wanted to understand it because it seemed so good, but it just wasn't so.
Within the last month though, I've been seeing the title and have been itching to read it. On Saturday, the mister and I happened upon a Library booksale that had many copies and I picked one up for $1.50 and started reading it that night.
Funny enough, I can't put the thing down, whereas before I dreaded cracking the cover open. See, I get it now. I get where the story is going and why the author is using the style she is using. I have more life experience to understand where the characters are coming from. And it's quickly becoming a favorite.
This is not the only book this has happened with. There are many books that I read again and again because I get it differently the next time. It's a big reason why I re-read and don't let people tell me that re-reading is a waste of time because there are so many great new books out there. I know what I like, dammit.
I also think books are magical. I'm sure it's some psychological condition when you read something that fits you just|perfectly at that moment in time. Whatever it is, I attribute it to the magic of books.
And magic of the universe.
One of my favorite quotes is from Desiderata by Max Ehrmann. You probably know it.
You are a child of the universe,Which is how I explain things like this:
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
I finally purchased a book that I've wanted for a while. I needed it for class, but I've wanted it for two years. And I bought it from a used website, from someone in Canada for $11. I opened it today and there was this inscription inside, with my name. At first I was thoroughly confused; why would a person I don't know write an inscription to me? And then I noticed the date. It's from 16 years ago.
And it reminded me that the universe is as it should be. That I am where I should be. And that books are still magical.
*I got an A, thank-you-very-much.
**98% of the time, the books are so much better then the movies. You know it, too.
