Books

Hang on tight, you are about to enter a blast from the past.  For some reason, books from my childhood are resurfacing. I wasn't much of a reader, but I loved detective books especially the ones that came in a series. I realize now, because I had such a vivid imagination and also a daydreamer, I became who I was reading about. I was living the dream right along with the character.  

                                                       

I remember this so clearly; it was like it was yesterday. The library was within walking distance of the school, so we were able to go there regularly. It was a sweet get away from our school day. The library was run very efficiently by an English woman with a very thick accent. I can still remember the excitement when the book I had ordered was there for pick-up. Mrs. D would use a rubber stamp with the date on it as a reminder of when the book was due back. I could only dream of what it must have felt like to change the date on that stamp. Not to mention the overwhelming job satisfaction of managing the box with the cards from the back of the books. Surely, there were other things in my life that brought me this much joy, but they don't come to mind like the library visits do.   

I have had the opportunity to go to libraries with my grandchildren. As is everything else, you scan them. Not the rubber stamp that Mrs. D used. The notice comes on the phone when a book is due and truly a sign of the times. 

I think the book series I enjoyed the most was Nancy Drew. It was a sad day when I read the last book of the series. The Nancy Drew books were revised several times. The original was made in 1930 and the latest series launched in 2013 titled "Nancy Drew Diaries". 

I also enjoyed Cherry Ames. Can you even imagine having a name like, "Cherry". One of my former colleagues had a Cherry Ames book in her office. I am not sure what the title was, but I assume it was, "Cherry Ames Student Nurse". 

Cherry is the central character in 27 mystery novels spanning from 1943-1968. Cherry was short for Charity. She was steered into nursing by Dr. Joseph Fortune, an old family friend. The first two books highlight her training. The remaining books are about her adventures as a nurse. 

Trixie Belden is another series of interesting books. They were more a favorite of my sister's than mine. Trixie was the title character in a series of detective mysteries from 1948-1986. Trixie was short for Beatrix, another magical name in my world. Trixie lived with her parents and her three brothers on a generational farm called Crabapple Farm. She developed a friendship with Honey Wheeler (the amazing names just kept coming). Honey was a lonely sheltered rich girl that moved into the house next door. Together they solve mysteries that baffle authorities.

I am sure each of you had a book series that brings back warm childhood memories. Even though I have fond memories of my library visits as a child, I know for sure; I will never belong to the library. To wonder around books just gazing, is not me. I would not be afraid to ask the librarian if they had a certain book. But in reality, I would probably buy it first, because as you know I love to buy books.

Now, there are thousands of book series out there for every age group. It is a sign of the times. It is also a sign of how children love to read. Every child I know loves books. From the day of birth, they are exposed to books and are read to every day. A person can lose themselves in a book so easily. I think people that read are more content than people that don't. I think I am a binge reader. I don't read every day but when I do that is all I do. I read books that are given to me or suggested to me. True stories with a happy ending, seem to be what I enjoy the most. 

Isn't it grand that with all the technology, books have stood the test of time. I truly believe there is no other feeling like holding a book and reading it. Placing a special bookmark so it is ready when you want to pick it up again and lose yourself in another world. Books are magical.