"We read to know we are not alone.” - C.S. Lewis

I'm currently reading my 4th book this summer. Its like I'm devouring them alive. I can't seem to function without a book in my hand. Its taking most my nights, its what I read at the pharmacy when I'm all alone. I'm currently half way through a Marian Keyes book, its called Sushi for Beginners, although, there is no sign of sushi anywhere in that book, it is my 3rd Marian book, not the best, but will do.

I remember my 9th grade teacher miss Nora once said "reading gives you escapism". I never forget that, for starters I didn't know that that word existed. Alas it was a perfect description of reading. At that time I was reading Stephen Kings famous 'The Body' novel. I finished it in 3 days, 3 sleepless days. It took me somewhere I've never been before.

That was when I was 13, now, after reading maybe a dozen more Stephen King books, I still feel the same way in every book. I can't put the book down. I just can't. I can't forgive myself if I don't know what happens in the next page.

(Above: The shining, made into a movie starring Jack Nicholson, The body, made into a movie under the title "Stand by me")

Same thing with the 'Girl with the dragon tattoo' trilogy. I swear when I saw Steig Larsson typed on the side of the books in the sale section, I ran to them and jumped like a lunatic. I like how he portrays a European country, so different from the way we live, a different taste, and the plot, its unlike anything I've read. Weird and unfamiliar, every page brings something new.



Maeve Binchy, on the contrary, her books well I just force myself to complete. I've read a few, all of which I regret starting. And it takes me weeks to complete one book. But if I have to recommend a book, 'Light a penny candle' would probably be it. The whole vintage style environment and WW2 settings seem to give the book a little spice.







In the end, I must say, the best books are the ones you buy at random, from someone on the street or from 2nd hand bookstores. Atleast they've been tried and tested, and for a dollar, you can't really go wrong. That, with an ice cream in one hand you're bound for eternal happiness.