It was too cold, icy and blah to go outside yesterday, so I played with my macro lens inside, and then I was so inspired, I sat down and read ‘Surfacing’ by Margaret Atwood for the rest of the day. Here are a few categories of books I read when I’m not hunting with camera in tow or doing miscellany. This is the first set of three photos. A second set will be in another upcoming post, and those books are way, way different from these posted today. Way different! That’s a promise.

First are the comics and humorous books – of course included are Calvin and Hobbes, Dilbert, and Dr. Seuss. I grew up with Dr. Seuss and the very first book I read by myself was ‘The Cat in the Hat.’ My absolute favorite book is ‘Green Eggs and Ham.’ I love Sam I Am.

Then a few drawing books and art collaborative compilations. I have an entire shelf – 30 inches long – plus another half shelf, full of a wide variety of art and writing books. For nearly twenty years of my past life I entertained myself working as a mixed- media artist and fiction author, and these books are well-thumbed. Now I read them for auld lang syne.

And then there are my books about words. Crossword puzzles, book lists, dictionaries and many more. Words and I have always had a special affinity ~ ever since I figured out that a few letters magically turned into a word at the ripe old age of 4. If you are wondering about the title part of the post, ‘Book Lust’, the two middle books are ‘Book Lust’ and ‘More Book Lust’ by Nancy Pearl. Nancy is a librarian and so, of course, she has written two books filled with book recommendations and fun to read descriptions of books – great books that could easily be overlooked if you didn’t know about them. If you’re looking for a good book – any genre – The Book Lust duo is the first place to check. I received them as Christmas presents two years ago, great gifts if you have a passionate reader on your list.

So there. I practiced with my macro, which I should do more often (much more often!) and shared my book passion in a multi-tasking effort. (Although I am an ardent un-fan of multi-tasking on principle. As in, pay attention to what you are doing and be mindful of your task at hand, and while you’re at it, slow down!) So now you know a little bit about me and some of my philosophies, too. Are there any other book lovers or philosophers out there? Why not share your books and/or opinions, too?

And as for my dear friend, Groucho, he will end this post with two of his opinions about books and reading…

“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read.” ~ Groucho Marx

“I find television to be very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go in the other room and read a book.” ~ Groucho Marx 

Bravo, Groucho! Bravo!

Let’s hear it for books.