Reading History

As I mentioned before, my love for reading has always been there...

I don't believe there ever was a time when I wasn't reading a book. Even when I was in High School, possibly a Junior in HS - we were given an extra credit assignment to read Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. I remember devouring this 900+ pages of a fiction book, and completely and thoroughly enjoying it. Needless to say, I was teased by all of my class mates for actually reading. What they didn't understand, is that I was able to submerge myself into the world that Rand created for us, the readers. It was such a beautiful and wonderful thing to be able to read and analyze and understand, even at 17 yrs of age, the difference between altruism vs egoism. And how everyone relates to it differently.

I married my husband when I was 19 years old ( young, I know. But when you know it's right, then it' right) October of 2005. It was right around that time that the now famous Stephanie Meyer published her even more famous now book Twilight. My sister in law was reading it at the time, because her mother-in-law had recommended it to her. Once she finished it, she turned to me and told me how much she had enjoyed it. I decided to give it a try, while to moved on to New Moon. And so we did that for the next couple of months. But then, I remembered how much I loved reading, and completely flew through one of the books. Next thing I knew, and I was ahead of her. Then I discovered that Stephanie Meyer also had another book called Host. And I decided to read that one as well.

At the time, I didn't have enough books to keep me busy. So while I was (somewhere, not sure) searching, I came across this platform called Kindle and realized that there were books on there for only $.99 or $1.99. The only difference between those and the actual paper books that I was able to get at Walmart or Barnes and Noble, is that these were written by Indie Authors (self published authors through Amazon) and were electronic books or now known as e-books. I was able to view / read these through the Kindle App on my phone! And I thought what an AMAZING and WONDERFUL thing, for them to be able to do what they love and pave the road for many women / men that were turned down because an editor or publisher didn't like the sound or feel of a book.

The very first book that I purchased through that platform was Switched by Amanda Hocking on May 16, 2011. And let me just admit right now that that was the day that my addiction developed into something out of this world. I was reading a book a day. Literally. I read the Trylle Series within TWO days. After I devoured those books, I moved onto My Blood Approves by the same Author. It was then that I realized that Amanda Hocking had paved the way for many accomplished and now successful Indie-Authors.

I remember gushing, yes gushing to my husband about how great this was. How much of a pioneer this young woman was, and how courageous she was. He just sweetly smiled at me, and nodded - agreeing with me.

Fast-forward to 5.5 years, and I've been blessed enough to attend several book signings here in Vegas, and meet many of the authors that I adore. Not because I know them personally, but because they bring joy and light into my world. They are able to give me a reprieve and allow me to breathe when sometimes I feel like I'm drowning.

You see, life catches up to you. And life events always seem to play back, whether they are wanted and enjoyed or not. As that is my case. When I feel like I can't handle anything else, I'm able to pick up a book, or open up my Kindle or iPad and just choose somewhere else to be. I don't do it to disappear from my husband or children, but because sometimes I just need to breathe. Where some people can pick up a cigarette, or a bottle of whiskey or tequila, I can pick up a book. So you see, my addiction is healthier than most.

But all teasing aside, I love that there are literally thousands of worlds that I can explore, and thousands of people to meet and fall in love with. And not because of how the author describes their appearances, but because of their circumstances and life events that mold them into great characters. Characters that teach me lessons on love, affection, forgiveness and kindness.

So you see, I have nothing but heartfelt appreciation and love for many of those women that can bring peace to my soul. Because they have a beautiful talent, and are willing to share it with us, the readers!