The Magic of Books

What other object can transport you to another world, another time, another place, and even into another's head? What can open your mind to ideas and ventures of your own imagination? What can do this while allowing your own experience and ideas to meld as a writer's thoughts and musings permeate the space?

The magic of books.
Words on pages create worlds when read.
But they must be read to become something.

The value of books goes back to ancient times. When they were scarce, they were treasured like gold, and when they were abundant (thanks to the printing press) they were available for more people to enjoy. Stories were passed on. Wisdom written down to be shared. Before any such beginnings of technology, books were the source of knowledge, entertainment, learning, and stories. It is not instant, as it involves time and effort to read books. No instant answers from a mobile device. Every piece of writing was by hand, on ink and paper. Is it worth the effort today? Or are we moving away from all things manual? If I receive something written by hand, it means something special to me, as the time of hand-written notes has faded dramatically from when I was little.

We tend to want the easy answers and instant knowledge today. We may binge watch a television show, but dare we read a book that is more than 200-300 pages? There are some worthy shows to watch, but there are so many wonder-filled books to read that engage us in ways that last. Books that cause us to imagine for ourselves the scene and place, and ask ourselves tough questions. They stick with us as we mull them over while we read over the span of a week or two (or three). When we can read and expand our horizons, use our imaginations, and think deeply for ourselves, it is a good thing. Not to mention the brain work is beneficial as well- keeping us sharp, developing good memories, and diverse vocabularies.

Do you still remember certain books you read when you were young? Did they leave impressions on you that you haven't forgotten? What are you going to read this year?