Bonus Blog: Books We're Thankful For

Thanksgiving is a time to, well, give thanks. We give thanks for our wonderful families, friends, and the many blessings in our lives. This year, I wanted to give thanks to authors and books, as they can truly transform lives. I have a few of my own, but I also reached out to other readers and asked them to share what book or author they are most thankful for and why. Here’s what they said:

“I have really been enjoying any books by Lisa Genova. Most people know her book, Still Alice, which was about a woman diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's. I first read her book, Left Neglected, which focused on a woman who had experienced a devastating brain injury. Her writing takes you on a powerful journey of loss, forgiveness, love and the resilience of the human spirit.” – M.H.

I am thankful for the worlds that books open. In fourth grade, the school library introduced me to Nancy Drew. In fifth grade, my county library introduced me to Agatha Christie’s detective fiction and murder mysteries. Then, in high school literature class Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice roped me in to the foibles, fun, and eccentricities of the large Bennet family, their daughter Elizabeth, and her wealthy suitor, Mr. Darcy. Miss Austin reminds us that people can be different, and that a different person may be just the perfect friend and/or life mate. She also points out that being too prideful can have the same consequences. I am thankful for her examples, and try to reach out to people, including those I do not know, with a smile, warm words, and friendliness, hoping that I can make someone’s day brighter. – S.T.

“I read the entire Hardy Boys series as a youth, fostering an early love for mystery and adventure. As a young adult, this interest in mystery and adventure continued with the complete works of Sherlock Holmes by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. However, the singular work of adventure fiction that I may have most enjoyed was The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain. I especially like books about mountaineering, and I also enjoy military and presidential histories, the former at least which involve adventure in a different sense. I am thankful for all these authors who put me in a place and time that was exhilarating, and at times somewhat out of my comfort level.” – T.T.

“I am thankful for The Paper Bag Princess by Robert M. Munsch. It is a book that my mom loved reading to me when I was little. It is the story of a dragon who burns down the castle and steals the prince. Well, the princess’s clothes are burned and the only thing that she can wear is a paper bag. She works hard to save the prince, and when he sees her appearance he decides he doesn't like her anymore. The princess realizes that looks aren't everything and that the prince is really not kind. His only concern is how someone looks. I love that it teaches that looks aren't everything; what is on the inside is what matters, not the outside.” – R.B.

I myself couldn’t choose between two authors, who, while their styles and audiences are quite different, both changed my life. The first is James Howe and his book Bunnicula. This was the book that, when I was a child, first inspired me to start writing. The second author I’m thankful for is George R. R. Martin and his Song of Ice and Fire series. These books sparked my interest in world building and helped teach me how to do it successfully.

Reading can transport you, and can even be therapeutic. I want to take a moment to thank those who contributed their thoughts for this blog. I hope this inspires you to pick up a book and take a journey this holiday season. Have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving!

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