We all love books. Many of us started first grade with the Dick and Jane series and quickly progressed from there. After learning to read, the opportunity to go to the school library was a treat….we could each select a book that was of a specific interest to us, connecting us to its pages with fascination. All books are meaningful in some ways, but finding a book that connects specifically to our lives is a bonus. At several recent Lady-Links visits, we shared how certain books have been a bonus to us because they brought an extra measure of meaning and connection with them.
From the Oklahoma Dust Bowl to the Dallas Cotton Bowl is an intriguing story of one of our Lady-Links. Her memoirs are published in several volumes, and we were captivated by her descriptions of her childhood and teen years. We could relate and share our own similar memories, making for a very engaging visit.
Another Lady-Link shared children’s books authored by her daughter. As we read through one of the books, we each added our own favorite recollection of the Bible story on which the book was based.
Two books from a collection owned by one of our Lady-Links provided a special connection for us. A McGuffey’s Eclectic Reader, Second Level, first published in 1836, incorporated moral instruction and etiquette with reading and language skills. We enjoyed reading passages from this reading primer used to educate children over 100 years ago and comparing them to what we remember from our early years of learning to read phrases like, “See Dick. See Jane. See Spot run.” What fun memories we shared from our early reading adventures with the Dick and Jane series.
An antique book of poems printed in the 1920s contained some familiar as well as some unfamiliar poetry. We enjoyed hearing a poem on the merits of being strong regardless of circumstances. It reminded us to always look for the best in any situation.
Connecting to our dear friends through books is clearly a bonus to them and to us as well. It helps us relate to one another and connect some of our shared life experiences. It encourages conversation and inspires memories. Although our dear friends don’t always retain comprehension of what they read, they can connect “in the moment” with the concept that is being expressed. Connecting emotionally with positive responses is a bonus to to anyone’s life, and books are a great way to stimulate that type of feeling. Books with a connection…a bonus for sure.
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