BBTW: Hobbies

I almost didn’t write this post, because it seems trite to me to say my hobby is reading. It’s like saying I like long walks on the beach and the smell of freshly cut grass. (And I don’t really like long walks on the beach because I’m not fond of sand, but give me freshly cut grass any day, especially if I didn’t have to cut it.)

But reading is my main hobby. I pick up a book at stop lights and on lunch breaks. I try for a couple pages while we road trip places, between refereeing children and conversations with my husband. I read while watching baseball games 7 months of the year. I read – it’s what I do.

(me, circa 1994. I think that's a book of horror short stories)

It’s also what I’ve always done. I remember when I was young, punishment didn’t really work. Grounding me from seeing my friends or watching television or talking on the phone – none of that really truly mattered to me. When my mom wanted to get my attention, she had to ground me from my one true love, books. I remember getting into Harlequins at around 12, because I consumed so many books that I could at least buy those for 6 for $1 at yard sales. As an adult I live on library books and free books, as well as still the occasional yard sale pick up. I’m on track to read about 100 books this year, which is on par with my usual years (not including re-reads)

I have favorites that I own; all the Pat Conroy books, Frank Norris’ McTeague, and a few odds and ends. I used to be a book hoarder but a few months ago I had a big purge and now I have a pile of books to gift and a small bookcase of things I couldn’t give up. The rest of my reading is done these days on my iPad or from borrowed books. Because I’d go broke if I bought all my books. I’d go broke if I bought all my favorite books. I just love to read.

Bring back the words is the brainchild of Ginger. Come! Participate!