I have recently noticed that I am even checking out other people's books to see what they are reading.  One never knows, they might have a book that I need to know about.  Last night this was so apparent as I was at the library with my 2 year old.  My older children were at youth group and we needed to pass the time while we waited to pick them up.  I was checking out my second stack of books as I noticed myself peeking over at a little girl's selection.  I commented on one of her books and was wondering if she has some gems that I may have missed.

I can't seem to walk past a book without at least introducing myself.  You can't tell a book by its cover so I have to read the back of the book and see if I we would like to get better acquainted.  When visiting someone's house for the first time it is not their furniture and their pictures that I am attracted to, it is their bookshelf.

I am always looking for a great recommendation, something that just changed someone's life or touched them so deeply.  I have been trying to come to the realization that I can never read all the books I want to, so I should just be content.  I really need to exercise some self-control in this area.  It is just so hard when I go to the library where the books are free to borrow and read.

I lived on a small island for many years and the book pickings were slim.  Our library had a limit of 4 books per cardholder.  I persuaded them to bend the rules for me because I can't live on 4 books per visit.  My library card here allows me to check out up to 100 books at a time.  I have not ever reached my limit, although last night I came close.  At this moment I have 99 items checked out on my library card. Wow, that is close!  I have also memorized the card numbers of my 6 children so when I have more than 10 requests on my card I can still continue adding to my wish list.

I know, I have a problem. Can I blame it on my mom?  She would let me use her library card as a child so I could get 15 books instead of 10.  She allowed me to read for hours on end.  I fear I have passed this problem, this love of books on to my children.  My 13 year old will disappear for hours on end and I know that she has slipped into another world, the wonderful world of a great book.

I am going to make an effort to control myself, but while I am doing that are there any great books you would like to recommend?