Can there be anything sweeter than the feeling of finishing a book that moved you, changed you, stretched you, and molded you? That is what good books can do.

“It is not enough to simply teach children to read; we have to give them something worth reading. Something that will stretch their imaginations—something that will help them make sense of their own lives and encourage them to reach out toward people whose lives are quite different from their own.” —Katherine Patterson

From the time I was old enough to read, I spent all my extra time sitting in libraries. I wish I kept better track of the titles I read in those days. I would love to reread some of the treasures I read then. In fact, when my mom threatened to take away my library card as a teenager I realized we were no longer on the “same page”.

Wherever I’ve lived I’ve visited, spent hours in, memorized the smell all of the local and distant libraries. In North Carolina, we drove hours to go to the two story library once a week. It sends a thrill up my spine when I hear the words: library, book, story, classics.

I wear clothing that makes references to books. I love book jewelry. I would wear book cologne, but I fear it wouldn’t smell as attractive to others as it does to me.

Date nights usually end in Barnes and Noble. My favorite girl’s day out is usually going to used and antique book stores.

“Let us read and let us dance—two amusements that will never do any harm to the world.” —Voltaire

Most of the antique store owners know me. I’ve gotten special deals from them and even a few free books- like Phronsie Pepper, The Youngest of the “Five Little Peppers” by Margaret Sydney. *dancing a jig*

My favorite conversations with friends involve books or what we’ve read last.

“A house without books is like a room without windows.” —Heinrich Mann

I have two large bookshelves in my bedroom with my to-read books waiting their turn. We have almost two dozen bookshelves and a room dubbed “the library”.

I love audio books, kindle books, old books, new books, classic books, most genres, but some of my favorite books are books about books and books that give ideas on how to decorate with books.

I have a couple of book mentors and hope one day to be a book mentor.

I collect book quotes.

We have a smallish library of over 3,000 titles that move around the world with us, not including the audio and kindle books. It isn’t enough. I have so many more on my wish lists.

“Wear the old coat and buy the new book.” —Austin Phelps

I buy books like I buy food. We feed our brains a diet as well as the body.

I have a special notebook reserved for my books and authors to find.

I’m one of those mom’s that gives books as gifts often. We keep a stack of new books that are our favorites to give when birthdays or occasions come up. We keep a stack of used books to give to friends…just because.

I spend way too much time reading about books and putting together my next Amazon order. I spend a fair amount of time on goodreads.com.

We read books to people for all special occasions. We love to read Dr. Suess’s birthday book for birthdays, Bear’s Loose Tooth for those who’ve lost one, Christmas books, Thanksgiving books, Groundhog’s Day (How Groundhog’s Garden Grew by Lynne Cherry), books about sickness (A Bad Case of Stripes by David Shannon, Goldie Locks Has Chicken Pox by Erin Dealey), and everything in between.

Most of my sentences in conversation with friends begin with, “I once read…”

“He that loves reading has everything within his reach.” —William Godwin

Books have broadened my horizons. Books have changed who I am. I’ve learned more about God, His universe, and myself and my role from books than I ever thought possible. I hope to pass this legacy on to others as well as to my family.

What are your book confessions?