Today I began reading a book shared with me by a colleague, though the book nor the colleague are required for the understanding of what I am about to share; I would like to say thank you to Violet and The The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafon.
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Sharing a book with a person is a truly intimate endeavor, you are putting yourself, your feelings, and your happiness on the line, and telling someone that they too will be embiggened by reading this work. When I suggest a book to a person, I consider a few things; the skill of the reader, the nature of their past reading experiences, and most importantly how close to them I want to feel. I say this because I jealously guard the relationships I have formed with some of my favorite authors and books, to allow someone else within that circle, indeed to invite them to join me, is a very intimate act. To date there is but one book that I have never invited any person to share. That book will not be named here, for I am not ready to share it with anyone, yet I found myself just today telling a person how important that book is to me. It was then I realized how significant it is to share books with someone.
To each of you who have ever loaned me a book, encouraged me to find an author, or just enjoyed a good conversation about a work, I thank you for sharing and allowing me to be a part of your circle.
