January Blogging Challenge: Books

Oh my goodness! I love PJ’s prompt for this months photo challenge! So many books….so little time. As an avid reader, I’ve been known to even read the back of cereal boxes in a pinch.

The written word….the tool in which language is expressed….has been with humankind for millenniums. Writing systems date back to the eight millennium BC with tokens and pictographs. The development of alphabets and phonics emerged around the second millennium BC.  The written word is a powerful tool that brought us such documents as our Declaration of Independence and Constitution. While oral history is important, it’s the written word that is capable of spreading ideas quickly and documenting history in preservable detail.

I can’t think of a better way to spend a frigid, January winter day than curled up with a good book and cozy afghan. So, hope your enjoy this peek into my library and passion for all written words. While I gravitate towards High Fantasy (think Harry Potter, The Hobbit, Lord of the Rings etc.), the genres in my library span a multitude of topics, authors and styles.

Books #1
Starting off the list is my favorite novelist, John Grisham. Don’t even ask me what I want for Christmas if he’s published a new book. There are a lot of great novelists out there, but the way Grisham weaves details, plot twists and unexpected turns throughout his story is genius. Most noted for his stories revolving around the legal system, he has written some lighter books like Playing for Pizza and Calico Joe that are entertaining, summer, pool-side reading.

Books #2
In a previous lifetime, my BFF and I owned a book design studio. We worked with university press houses across the country and turned author manuscripts into books. This photo shows a few of the books I worked on during that time. This experience forever changed the way I look at a printed book from the cover design to the very last index page. Knowing what goes into designing and compositing a book, I vowed to never again whine about the cost of the written word.

Books #3
I’ve not completely jumped on the e-reader wagon, but did install our local library’s app on my laptop to see what was available. I did download an e-book on the recommendation of a fellow blogger for test drive. I much prefer a bound book, but this will do in a pinch, especially when I don’t want to purchase the book to keep.

Books #4
Apologetics and books relating to different worldviews are a passion of mine. This is just a sampling of the books I have on this topic squirreled away around the house. I especially think books written by scientists addressing the relationship between science and faith are fascinating. I also have quite a few books by C.S. Lewis, including a set of The Chronicles of Narnia.

Books #5
Dovetailing with the above is the book that surpasses all books in print. The bible clocks in with 5 billion books printed since 1815. Add to that, all the hand-scribed copies prior to the invention of the printing press. Many of you have issues with its written words. I encourage you to read what I wrote about the bible HERE. It’s the Big God Story that is filled with poetry, Hellenistic biography, documented history as well as inspiration and comforting words. It’s a book that reflects our messy lives. Because of our circumstances, I’m spending a lot of time in Psalms….usually accompanied by diffusing essential oils and hot tea.

“Check out” the other books over at PJ’s for January’s prompt of Books.

And, in keeping with Thankful Thursday over at Brian’s Home, I think it’s safe to say I’ve been thankful for the written word since I was old enough to pick up a book. I’m thankful this passion was not lost on my daughters. And Peanut, at age 10, has been assessed at a 7th grade level for reading comprehension. I would be thankful if Twix, who is learning letters and basic words, follows in their footsteps.