This week’s Top Ten Tuesday on The Broke and the Bookish is a seasonal feature since it’s Thanksgiving for those lucky bastards folks south of the border. So TBatB wants to know ten things we bloggers are thankful for. They said it could be bookish or not, but I mean really. Who do they think they’re talking to??
1. The feel of a new book in my hands.
Nothing compares to that moment when you pick up a new book, settle into your favourite cosy corner, and open it to the first page. Nothing.
2. The community of online bloggers and tweeters who allow me to indulge my (not so) secret book nerd.
Seriously. You guys totally rock.
3. Libraries.
The public library is one of the most important parts of the community infrastructure. There’s nothing more valuable than access to a wide range of reading materials for everyone – regardless of economic status. I volunteered at a local library as a child, and have retreated to libraries throughout my life when I need a place to take a break from the world.
4. E-readers.
I know some of you will grumble about this one. Part of me does, too. There’s nothing better than a book in my hands. But I love the portability of the e-reader. I love that I can read at night without disturbing the hubs (well, not as much, anyway). I like that my books don’t get as dog-eared. And I like that because books are cheaper, I can try out more authors I wouldn’t have risked in print. (And I normally end up loving them and buying the physical book too.) Plus, since I’ve got a bad back, the e-reader lets me actually read on my 2 hour commute, which is a huge win!
5. The scent of a bookstore.
Whether it’s new or used, the smell of a bookstore is the smell of home.
6. Authors who prioritize excellent writing, character development and an awesome plot.
Plot is important. So are believable and layered character portrayals. But none of this works for me if the text isn’t edited properly or if it is sloppily-written. I care about the English language. Please don’t abuse it. One of my favourite authors in this respect is J.K. Rowling. Her books are grammatically impeccable. As well as, obviously, wonderful storytelling.
7. Fictional friends, mentors and teachers.
I couldn’t possibly have encountered the same range of people and experiences in real life as I have in books. Which isn’t to say real life isn’t important or anything, just that books have widened my scope even further.
8. What books have taught me about myself, the world, and those around me.
I read an article awhile back discussing how reading fiction makes people more empathetic. I don’t know all the science behind it, but I can tell you that in my experience, this is definitely true. Not only does it give you a glimpse into the workings of someone else’s brain (the author’s), but it allows the reader to experience first-hand what it’s like to be in an entirely different life. Sure, it’s imaginary, but the imagination is powerful. And I believe in its ability to make me a better person.
9. The comfort curling up with a blanket, a cup of tea and a good book can bring – especially when it’s cold or rainy outside and when I’ve had a rough day.
Some days the thought of doing this is all that gets me through. It’s my ultimate happy place.
10. The many amazing worlds created by talented writers over the years that I can escape to and explore whenever I want or need to.
There are books and whole series (*ahem* Harry Potter *ahem*) that I will return to over and over again. Particularly when life is getting me down and I need the comfort of somewhere better, familiar and… well, not here. For these worlds that never change, never get old, never shut me out, I will be forever grateful.
I know that if I spent even another ten minutes on this I’d have double this many things to be thankful for. More, even. At the end of the day, I’m just thankful for books and the authors who write them. They’ve opened so many doors – both in the world around me and in myself – and I can’t imagine (nor do I want to) my life without them.
What are you thankful this year?
P.S. – After reading some of you guys’ excellent posts, I’d also like to add that I’m thankful for Goodreads (because otherwise I’d never remember all the books I want to read or find half as many new ones) and my cats, who make excellent reading companions!
Aw, thank you so much! And welcome! Yeah, this post was incredibly easy to write, since not a day goes by I'm not thankful for everything bookish. I can't even imagine a world in which I couldn't read all the time!
Thank you for stopping by!
Aw, thank you so much! And welcome! Yeah, this post was incredibly easy to write, since not a day goes by I'm not thankful for everything bookish. I can't even imagine a world in which I couldn't read all the time!
Thank you for stopping by!
There's that special kind of excitement when you're about to dive into a new book and the new world it contains. Incomparable. Yeah, I've learned to really love my e-reader, though it makes me really sad that book stores are slowly becoming less common. I want the best of both worlds, dammit!
There's that special kind of excitement when you're about to dive into a new book and the new world it contains. Incomparable. Yeah, I've learned to really love my e-reader, though it makes me really sad that book stores are slowly becoming less common. I want the best of both worlds, dammit!
I used to feel like a total weirdo because of loving the smell of books… but apparently I'm very much not alone!
I used to feel like a total weirdo because of loving the smell of books… but apparently I'm very much not alone!
Love it! Reading rocks!
Love it! Reading rocks!
Love your list 🙂
Love your list 🙂
The book blogging community is the best, I agree 😀
Books of Amber
The book blogging community is the best, I agree 😀
Books of Amber
Thanks! It's funny, but I look at my shelves of old books from when I was a kid, and I think about the characters I “met” in them, and it's comforting, like looking through old photos of childhood friends. Maybe I'm weird, but I totally think you can be friends with imaginary people. You know, when they're in books.
I don't use the library much these days because it's a long way from my new place, and also I've got stacks of books I need to read! No to mention the at-my-fingertips endlessness of e-books. But that doesn't change the fact that I feel like they're really important and I am comforted to know that when I do need something new to read, it'll be there.
Thanks! It's funny, but I look at my shelves of old books from when I was a kid, and I think about the characters I “met” in them, and it's comforting, like looking through old photos of childhood friends. Maybe I'm weird, but I totally think you can be friends with imaginary people. You know, when they're in books.
I don't use the library much these days because it's a long way from my new place, and also I've got stacks of books I need to read! No to mention the at-my-fingertips endlessness of e-books. But that doesn't change the fact that I feel like they're really important and I am comforted to know that when I do need something new to read, it'll be there.
I forgot too until you mentioned it, so I cheated and edited the post. Shhhh! Went over and read your post, and I might just have to start watching Reign now! I was saving it for a lull in new TV to watch. But clearly I'm missing out and must correct that at once.
I know, right? I totally want to curl up under that blanket and read myself to sleep. And wake up and then do it again. And over and over…all day long.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I forgot too until you mentioned it, so I cheated and edited the post. Shhhh! Went over and read your post, and I might just have to start watching Reign now! I was saving it for a lull in new TV to watch. But clearly I'm missing out and must correct that at once.
I know, right? I totally want to curl up under that blanket and read myself to sleep. And wake up and then do it again. And over and over…all day long.
Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
YES to all of these! I love the smells of bookstores/libraries, the amazing authors, the amazing stories, curling up with a good book…love this list!
New follower on your blog, it's really nice! 🙂
Kyra @ Blog of a Bookaholic
My TTT!
YES to all of these! I love the smells of bookstores/libraries, the amazing authors, the amazing stories, curling up with a good book…love this list!
New follower on your blog, it's really nice! 🙂
Kyra @ Blog of a Bookaholic
My TTT!
I love the feel of a new book in my hands, too. It's always so exciting. And yes to LIBRARIES! And although I love physical books – I agree, e-readers are super handy, too
I love the feel of a new book in my hands, too. It's always so exciting. And yes to LIBRARIES! And although I love physical books – I agree, e-readers are super handy, too
I also love the smell of a bookstore and books in general. especially the older books with that musty smell…. love it!
I also love the smell of a bookstore and books in general. especially the older books with that musty smell…. love it!
I love your list! I should have added fictional characters to mine because they are awesome, I love them,and many of them leave an impact on me. Also I am happy to see that libraries made your list. I LOVE my public library and I get sad whenever I find out that people don't use theirs.
My Top Ten
Kay @ It's a Book Life
I love your list! I should have added fictional characters to mine because they are awesome, I love them,and many of them leave an impact on me. Also I am happy to see that libraries made your list. I LOVE my public library and I get sad whenever I find out that people don't use theirs.
My Top Ten
Kay @ It's a Book Life
Amazing list! I forgot to include my family/dogs on the list because I was too busy fangirling over a certain TV show that I'm thankful for and now I feel silly!
Btw, that blanket looks so comfy that I feel like going to sleep =)
Thanks for the eye candy <3333
OUR TTT
Doris @ OABR
Amazing list! I forgot to include my family/dogs on the list because I was too busy fangirling over a certain TV show that I'm thankful for and now I feel silly!
Btw, that blanket looks so comfy that I feel like going to sleep =)
Thanks for the eye candy <3333
OUR TTT
Doris @ OABR
Thanks! Yeah, I stopped reading for over a year after I had back surgery, because every time I tried to take a book with me it just hurt my back too damn much by the end of the day. It made me immeasurably sad. My Nook and the Moonreader app on my phone have quite literally changed my life. I don't know if this blog would even exist without them. Thanks for stopping by and sharing in a little moment of gratitude with me! 🙂
Thanks! Yeah, I stopped reading for over a year after I had back surgery, because every time I tried to take a book with me it just hurt my back too damn much by the end of the day. It made me immeasurably sad. My Nook and the Moonreader app on my phone have quite literally changed my life. I don't know if this blog would even exist without them. Thanks for stopping by and sharing in a little moment of gratitude with me! 🙂
Amazing list! I agree with so many of your points. I'm grateful for my Kindle too, I may resent it at times because it's not a real book, but it's so convenient.
Amazing list! I agree with so many of your points. I'm grateful for my Kindle too, I may resent it at times because it's not a real book, but it's so convenient.