Giving Thanks For All Things Bookish

snoopyThanksgiving is so close I can practically smell that juicy turkey roasting in the oven, can envision a glorious tryptophan-induced nap with football on in the background, all while musing over what in my life I’m particularly thankful for.

Now, of course, I’m thankful for my amazing husband, family, friends, good health, the freedom to pursue dreams, and you, dear readers. But I want to take a minute and focus specifically on the bookish things I’m grateful for.

Here are the top 10 reasons I’m especially thankful for stories:

1) That moment when you read the first page of a book and know you’re going to love it.

2) Rereading books you loved as a child and finding that you still love them, but for very different reasons. Proof that while the book stayed the same, you’ve grown.

3) When you read a beautiful passage or quote that makes you realize somewhere out there, someone else gets it.

4) The ability to visit foreign cities and countries, or even other worlds, all from the comfort of your favorite reading nook.

friends5) Humor, or an escape, at times when you need it the most.

6) The way books can bring people together, aka, an excuse to see friends once a month and visit, eat delicious snacks, and drink wine.

7) The excitement, and subsequent anticipation, when you find out your favorite author has a new book coming out.

8) Being so gripped by a story that, for a minute, you forget about everything else except what happens next.

9) Stories that are so magical you find yourself thinking about them days, weeks, even months after you finish them.

10) When you finish a really great book and just have to sit in silence for a minute, letting the emotions wash over you. The sadness of it being over, the awe of a story that truly touches you, and the pure joy of a perfect ending.

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! What are you thankful for this year?

What I’m reading: My True Love Gave to Me: Twelve Holiday Stories

What I’m listening to: Drum and Fife — Smashing Pumpkins