Just in time I have gotten my hands on a library loan. A book that I have been curious about for years. I reserved it from the library in mid-June, and it just came available on Wednesday. I am possibly the last person to read this classic novel. Barely 100 pages in and I’m hooked. The Secret History by Donna Tartt, is living up to its classic reputation. Loving all of these characters, with their bizarre quirks and entangled secrets.

Gothic, mansions, surreal libraries, lakes, academia, retro setting–I’m loving it all.

It’s not necessarily the book I want to talk about though; it’s the fact that it’s a library book. When I took it off the reserve shelf (with the bold font reserve tag bearing my initials THLI) I felt a thrill to the touch. It was just as I had suspected: it feels amazing in my hands, as though the paper has turned into soft pliable leather as a result of strangers’ hands. The almost splitting spine is a testament to the eager readers who came before me.

I suspect it will be a challenge to finish the book within the three-week allotment. There is no renewal on books like this one. The long reserve list of avid readers is too numerous to allow it. This reminds me that I should have bought the book brand new last year when I saw it on the local bookstore shelf. Now I will definitely be buying it anyway, even if I finish the library copy, because it is a book I have a hunch I’ll want at my fingertips.

Coincidentally, I penned a short poem in an ode to the beloved library book before laying my hands on this precious copy.

Dear Library Book

Your spine is cracked

Your pages worn

With fingerprints unknown

The joy and distraction

You give free and sublime

Escape I do, into your pages divine

A delight of time in-fi-nite

Comfort the forlorn

With written words enshrined

-LTW

Do you prefer new or used books?

Hello Sleevers, t’s been a while since we’ve talked. Life has been interfering with my blog.

I hope you are doing well. I thought a nice way to ease in back here is to share what I’m currently reading, doing and anticipating this Spring. We’re half way through spring, that’s true but it’s not too late to share what’s happening mid-season.

First, let’s talk books.

Welcome spooky, October…looks like me trying to come up with a brilliant blog post…

Well, September came and went in a flash. I didn’t write one post here and that is a first for me. I have never gone a whole month without writing something here. Should this concern me? I remember the early days of my blogging back in 2011-12 and I didn’t understand bloggers who would take long, unexpected breaks but now I do. They had been in the game for several years and eventually, we change.

I’ve been reading so many books lately. Trying new authors has been stimulating and fun. Along with this I’ve become aware of some minor book pet peeves I have. Let’s dish…

I typically have more than one book on the go. I will read one on my kindle and also one paperback (real life) book. I don’t know why, but it is necessary to me to have a book in my hand at some point during the day. It’s as if my kindle, e-reader doesn’t count. Strange, I know. The good thing is that this ‘feeling’ causes me to read twice as much.

Hello Escapees, want to catch up over coffee? That’s one of my favorite things to do with friends. Even though we can’t do it literally, we can do it virtually here at the blog. Thanks to Shantala over at Shanayatales, for starting this Catch Up Over Coffee theme.  It’s just an informal chat designed to put a more personal slant on the blog.

I think after all that’s been going on it’s nice to take a deep breath and just talk. Shoot the breeze. So, grab your cup a joe. (Ironically, I wrote a similar post almost exactly a year ago Hello! Come On In, I’ll Put Coffee On I guess Shantala and I think alike).