Visit the Shelf to share your love of a good story
By Kristen Tribe | Published Sunday, November 1, 2009
I'm the assistant editor of the Wise County Messenger, and when I'm not writing, I'm reading. And when I read a good book, I like to talk about it - with everyone.
My co-workers, friends and dear husband often indulge me in these conversations, but I decided the best way to reach "everyone" is with a blog - Shelf Space, http://www.wcmessenger.com/blogs/shelfspace/
Self-indulgent? Possibly. But hopefully, a lot of fun - for me, and you, the readers - because I don't want to just talk about what I'm reading, I want to talk about what you're reading, too.
I also want to keep up with local book news, library events, and even introduce you to some local authors. Think of the blog as your virtual book club. A place where we can all "talk" at once and be heard. A corner to share ideas and delight in a good story, our favorite stories.
When I was a little girl, I remember digging through a cabinet full of books at my grandma's house. They were the books that once belonged to her children - my mom and her four siblings.
That's where I discovered "Little Women," by Louisa May Alcott, the first "big" book I read and still a personal favorite. When all of my younger cousins went home and only my sister and I were left to wonder at adult conversation, I would retreat to the cabinet.
It's wedged between my grandma's piano and dining table, and I would sit before it on my knees, carefully rummaging through the stacks of books looking for a gem. Even then I appreciated the feel of the browned pages, some brittle with age, and the musty smell of old paper, which I now associate with the possibility of faraway lands and fascinating characters.
The collection was a treasure that had lain undiscovered in the gap between generations of young readers, and although it was small, I came to think of it as my personal library. Every few months I would take a book home to read, but I always returned it to its rightful place, my grandma's cabinet.
"Little Women" has found its way to my mom's house, and I recently re-read that very copy, bringing back fond memories of discovering the March family for the first time as a child.
Is there a specific book that is dear to you? Was there a particular novel or character that initiated your love of reading?
Think about it and drop me a line at the blog. We'll "talk."
If you have book-related news or photos from local libraries or schools, e-mail them to Kristen at ktribe@wcmessenger.com. They could appear in a Shelf Space post.
