Why do I read?

As far back as I can remember I have loved to read books.  One of my favorite memories as a child was being able to read books to my mom.  She would always give me praise when I would sound out the more difficult words correctly, and that inspired me to continue my journey to become a better reader.  Later on, when riding the bus to and from school was a necessary part of my life (a very evil part, I might add.  Those of you that were shy as a kid can relate), I would quickly shove two or three books in my bookbag every morning before running out the door to meet the bus. 

Needless to say, very little had changed to this day.  I still look forward to cracking open a new book and seeing what adventures await my anxious mind.  The thought of meeting new friends and beginning new journeys with them is something that has always driven my love for reading.  Edie Burchill, the main character in Kate Morton's The Distant Hours describes her love for fictional writing as this,

 "I was little aware that I was about to cross a tremendous threshold beyond which there would be no return.  In my hands I held an object whose simple appearance belied its profound power.  All true readers have a book, or a moment, like this one."  

It is with this love for the written word (as well as a newly purchased B&N Nook, thanks to my loving husband who has graciously accepted the bookworm inside of me) that I dive into this summer with a newly revised Summer Reading List.  Here are a few books that I'm excited to begin:

It is Edie's belief that each book must be united to their one true reader, and because of her devotion, I find myself yearning to continue my own reading journey.  I challenge each of you to seek out the book that you were destined to be united with!