How in the world can this
beat this
or this
or this?
And the sounds and smells! The turn of the page and that musty old book smell. The creases and blots on the cover from the last time you read it. The dust jacket with its own personal inscription from a loved one.
Some of my favourite books are second hand copies that my mum bought me when I was a kid. They have rips and tears and notes in the margins from prior owners. Old library stamps and coffee stains and yellowing curling edges.
Well loved and well lived.
I have moved many times in my life and what do I always unpack first? My books. Their sheer physical presence on my shelves brings me comfort, makes me feel calm.
I will never get that from a shiny flat screen.
You can keep your fancy little e-readers, kids.
I will never surrender!
