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Flashback Friday ~ Books



I know I'm a bit late to link up for Flashback Friday

But when I finally noticed that the topic for today was BOOKS; well I just had to write a post.  I'm joining Linda of Mocha with Linda.

I love to read.  My love for reading began as a small child.  I had a congenital heart defect and couldn't keep up physically with other children my age.  My mom used to read books to me while I lay my head in her lap.  I could visualize every scene so clearly. 

(This building was the Lindenhurst Library when I was a kid.)

When I could read for myself, I would go to the Lindenhurst Public Library every Saturday and take out a handful of books. I would position myself comfortably in my bed and spend the day reading.  My mom used to interrupt me and encourage me to go outside to get some fresh air and play.  She used to tell me I was going to ruin my eyes because I was known to get so involved in my reading that I didn't realize it was getting dark.  :)  But I actuallly had 20/20 vision until after the age of 50.  Somehow those reading glasses now come in handy.

I remember reading Grace Livingston Hill books.  I discovered them one summer when I stayed with my Nana and Grandpa.  They had most of her books.  They were probably left by my Aunt Ruth after she moved out to California.  But I could immerse myself in reading these books.  To this day, I still remember one book where the main character found her long lost father and brothers.  She didn't reveal herself but came by the house each day and cleaned and prepared a warm meal for them.  The love she demonstrated still sticks with me.

Another favorite was the Nancy Drew book series by Carolyn Keene.  I lived across the street from the canal and the boatyards.  After reading these mysteries, I'd often go exploring the boatyards looking for a possible mystery.  Nancy Drew always seemed to stumble on crimes so I thought maybe it would happen to me.  It never did!
I never owned any of these books though. They were usually borrowed or taken out from the library.  It wasn't until I was much older and married that I began to seriously buy books. 

If I look back and see an area of spending weakness, for me it would be BOOKS.

This photo is just one side of my book closet.  I know it's ridiculous but at that time I could well afford them. And I used to loan my books out all the time to others.  When we had to move, I had no room to store my prized books so I sold and donated many.

I read most of the classics in high school including "Catcher in the Rye" and "To Kill a Mockingbird".  I didn't appreciate the classics at the time because once I was in high school, I got very involved socially.  Reading went out the window for a number of years as I discovered 'boys', twirling and high school dances.  :)

As an adult, I started reading many of the classics again and had a much greater appreciation for them.  Ken Boa has a great reading program that includes many Christian classics including authors like C.S. Lewis.  I used to subscribe to a monthly tape where he discusses the works of great authors.

My husband bought me a Kindle a few years ago in the hopes that I would read all of my books on it.  I love the fact that if I travel I don't have to carry many books with me like I used to do.  I enjoy the Kindle and the books are cheaper.  But there's still something special about the feel of turning the pages of a real book.

How about you?  Do you enjoy reading?

Blessings and love,

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Debbie Petras
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14 comments:

  1. I love Grace Livingston Hill books. My sister has almost all of them. I think my favorite is "The Seventh Hour."

    I'm hoping to get a Kindle one of these days. Maybe for Christmas! Who knows?

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  2. Boy do those books bring back memories! Thank you for sharing! Have a Happy weekend!

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  3. Oh, I so well remember my Mom being a Grace Livingston Hill fan. I think we had every book she wrote. I didn't enjoy reading as a child, but developed a love once I reached adulthood. I have a Kindle and absolutely love it. I love the fact that I don't have books laying around anymore and have access to any book I want to read within a few minutes. A happy weekend to you!

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  4. Oh yes, I can totally relate! I love books! I enjoyed the picture of your book closet! I like to stash books under my bed, but now it is full~ where should I go next?! :)
    Thanks for sharing! It's fun to know I am not alone!
    Blessings to you!
    Cindy :)

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  5. Awesome collection! I used to read Nancy Drew also. I remember being glued to every page, heart beating with anticipation to what would be the next mystery.

    I haven't done reading in a while ['cept the Bible]. But my hubby and I have a lot of Christian books.

    I love the fact that I don't have to go too far to learn about anything...all because of books!

    God bless you and have a great weekend sister Debbie. Wow! I think I lost my 20/20 vision as soon as I hit 30. You beat me :)

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  6. Hi Debbie! Wow, what a great collection of books you have!! I used to love reading the Nancy Drew Mystery books when I was younger, and I did inherit the love of reading from my mother. Unfortunately, I have not read as much as I would like to, but once I have a book that I love, it is very hard to put it down!!

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  7. I do not remember books being a part of my chilhood at all. I didn't start reading until I was about 35 and then it was academic books, but I loved them. It wasn't until I was in my 40's that I started studying the Bible and doing lots of Christian reading that my desire to read grew. I too have a collection of books (as you well know). I love to share them.
    It wasn't until recently that I read 3 Francine Rivers Books and that was the first time that I really got engrossed in hisorical Christian Fiction. It was a wonderful experience and I am looking forward to reading another one by her. I love Bibles, commentaries, devotionals, and non fiction books. I pray our young people are exposed to the joy of reading.
    I loved your post and your memories and the pictures.
    Blessings

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  8. Books were also a huge part of my childhood. My escape. I loved Nancy Drew and still fancy myself as a bit of a detective. I rarely give up on anything that is a bit of a mystery to me till I get "it" figured out.

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  9. My childhood was filled with reading too. I loved Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and The Little House Books.

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  10. Nancy Drew was a friend of mine too. Did you ever read a book called "Laurna Doone." I remember vividly how our school librarian would read us a chapter a day, beautiful reading voice. That was such a favorite book of mine. I should try to find it.(Memory Lane)
    I do enjoy reading, but don't do it often enough. To my shame, it is too easy to turn on the television. And then, it seems that often when I do read, it is for information. It is interesting, and usually well written, but I've been thinking lately that I need to find a good fiction book to read. Actually, got one out that you gave me, but just can't quite get interested in it. Do you wonder what it is?

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  11. I'm starting to want a Kindle, but you're right - nothing feels and smells like a real book!

    Grace Livingston Hill's books were the first Christian fiction books I ever read. Then about the time I got out of college I discovered Eugenia Price's books that were all historical Southern fiction. LOVED all of those!

    I'm so glad you joined in today!

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  12. I loved reading as a child too (still do actually). During primary school, I loved Nancy Drew and Trixie Beldon.

    Wow, you certainly do have a lot of books! I don't have a kindle, but they sound handy and compact. I do love the feel of an actual book in my hands though...

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  13. Oh, I looooove books! I was trying to read non-fiction books that would help me as a wife, mom, christian, cook in the kitchen and person trying to lose weight.

    However, I've read several Christian fiction books this year, and I love the stories so much, I just keep reading them!

    I think my favorite book since I started reviewing books is "Here Burns My Candle" by Liz Curtis Higgs.

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  14. Oh, I looooove books! I was trying to read non-fiction books that would help me as a wife, mom, christian, cook in the kitchen and person trying to lose weight.

    However, I've read several Christian fiction books this year, and I love the stories so much, I just keep reading them!

    I think my favorite book since I started reviewing books is "Here Burns My Candle" by Liz Curtis Higgs.

    ReplyDelete

I love to read your comments! I know you have something to share so join in the conversation. And thank you for taking the time.

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