One day when I was four years-old, I said to my Mom, “Will you teach me to read?”

Mom sat down in the chair pictured, with me on her lap, and taught me to read about Dick, Jane, Sally, Spot, Puff and all their friends. At that time the chair looked a little different with a skirt and a green, floral-ish upholstery I vaguely remember now.

My love of reading was born that day and has only grown since. Not long after that, Dad took me to the library to check out my first book and get my first library card. The friendly librarian on duty that day said I could pick out as many books as I’d like and take them home to read. Not long after, I approached the desk with 16 books and Dad following, ready to check out. Imagine her surprise when this little towheaded girl asked to check out nearly twice as many books as the limit. I don’t know how it was worked out, but I went home that day with all 16 books, read to my heart’s content and was back for more the next week.

I started my reading adventure with Dick, Jane and Sally, then went on to the antics of Curious George, the friendship of George & Martha and Harry the Dirty Dog. Eventually I devoured every Nancy Drew book I could get my hands on, along with who knows how many other series. The parade of books in my life has slowed at times, but never come to a full stop.

I love books of all sorts. In them you can learn from others’ mistakes, go to extremes to explore ideas to their fullest, and learn about the world around us. I’ve learned about different societies, religions and philosophical beliefs. I can travel back in time, thousands upon thousands of years in the future, to the depths of the abyss and the reaches of the farthest universe.

I know some say that you’re not really reading a book if you listen to it as an audio file, but I don’t agree with that thinking. While I enjoy the act of cracking open a book, finding a comfy spot and reading for hours, there’s also a lot to be said for having a book read to you. For many, reading is difficult. They were not fortunate, like me, to have parents that encouraged reading or their brain tends to jumble the letters, leading to frustration and understandable resistance to unnecessary reading. I’ve enjoyed countless books in my car while I drive, and I often catch things that I missed when I read it myself. I think books should be enjoyed any way possible. Purchasing them is great, but If you can’t afford that, libraries allow us to learn from them for free, whether in print or audio file.

Just yesterday I found myself sitting with friends talking about books and I realized I could gush on for hours about books I’ve read and loved. Instead, I’m setting up a new page on my website for the books I’ve read and would recommend. Well, actually . . . I’ll start on the list today. It’s going to take some time and I’m not sure it will ever be totally complete, so be sure to come back every now and then if you’re looking for a good book. If you don’t find something you’d like, feel free to DM me, I just may not have gotten to that part of the list yet. 🙂

Thanks for stopping by – If you have a few bucks to spare and want to help pay for a new book for me, just mash that “Support Shauna” button and send me some digital love. lol If not, have fantastic day & go read/listen to a book!