Why Books Are As Important As Good Friends

Do you have favorite authors?  Is there someone you automatically reach for when you are tired, or had a bad day, or are celebrating something? 
 
I have several favorite authors, but who I reach for depends on my mood at the moment.  If I am not feeling any particularly strong emotions, I might stand in front of my keeper shelves and wait for something to jump out at me.  If I am tired or worn out, and don’t want to read something which requires deep thought, I often reach for one of my old Barbara Metzger books.  Her regencies, especially the older ones, are light and frothy and just the thing to take me out of my world for a short while.  If I am looking for something to cheer me up, Janet Chapman usually does the trick.  Her stories have enough meat to not be boring, yet also have a fun, irreverent attitude.  If I want something with more depth and expertly drawn characters, then Jodi Thomas or Anne Gracie or Julie Garwood is a likely possibility.
 
I can read books by my favorite authors over and over again.  I vaguely comprehend that some people exist who refuse to read any book more than once, but I cannot wrap my head around that concept.  To me, it’s like having a good friend you choose to never speak to again.  Why deny yourself the pleasure?
 
I have also discovered another benefit of re-reading old books.  Some of the books on my keeper shelves have sat there so long since I read them, I don’t remember much about the stories.  When I read one of those books, it’s like discovering a great story or author all over again.  And it didn’t cost me a dime!
 
I feel sorry for anyone who has not discovered the joy of reading.  Books can take us to so many other places or times or to meet so many interesting people.  And when we re-read a book, it’s like taking a good friend along on the trip.  I hope you have many similar good friends, and I wish you bon voyage on many pleasant journeys with them.

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