Literature brings back fond memories as far back as my own childhood, and all the way into my children's lives. Many summer days my five sisters and I walked; what seemed like a very long way; to our hometown's public library. Each of us always had a ton of books to return. I couldn't wait to get there and see what new titles were available for checkout. Nancy Drew mysteries were a favorite of mine. The sisters were kind of like a group of critics; we utilized each other for book reviews. The trip home was much faster, because I couldn't wait to start my next book. The memory of reading to my own children is one I particularly cherish. We read so frequently that by the time they were able to talk, they could recite their "golden books". Full circle; in a way; I read to my own mother when she took ill.
Literature feeds my love of vocabulary. I find myself looking up words in the dictionary, though I can usually tell what they mean in context. Reading has fueled my love of word games, like Scrabble, and my obsession with crossword puzzles.
Most of all, literature has provided endless hours of entertainment and escape. If boredom sets in, I pick up a book and become thoroughly entertained. On stressful days I can escape inside the pages of a book totally beyond any reality. Literature is being in love with the most perfect man, or traveling to a far away land I may never see. I can grow up all over again, and take chances I wouldn't .
dream of taking in my own life. Literature can instill a feeling of fear, yet it isn't real. I can live in any time period and place I so desire.
Perhaps one of the greatest things about literature, is choosing it. Selecting a book is like deciding what you"d like to do this weekend. Depending on what you choose; it can be very social, like being with others; introverted like going to a movie; or gluttonous like going out to eat. There are times I become so glued to a book that I skip eating, don't answer my phone, and stay up all hours of the night with the intent of just finishing the next chapter.