Top Ten Bookish Things I’m Thankful For

November 26, 2013 Top Ten Tuesday 21

Top Ten Tuesday is a weekly feature/meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.  This week’s topic is Top Ten Bookish Things I’m Thankful For.  

  1. My eyes.  They may not be 20/20, and I need bifocals now, but my eyes still work.  I know there are audiobooks (and I do enjoy them), but I love, well, reading.  (And it’s faster than audiobooks.)
  2. My glasses.  I can’t read (or see) well without them.  I’m so glad to live in a day and age when glasses, contacts, and (for some people) laser surgery make it possible for those with bad eyesight to see clearly.
  3. My memory and my mental faculties.  A dear friend of mine had a series of strokes in her thirties that affected both her short-term memory and some of her other abilities.  One of the tragic consequences is that she can no longer read books, because she can’t remember what’s going on or who the characters are.  I am so grateful that I can both read and understand what I read.
  4. My wonderful husband, who never complains about the huge number of books in the house,is happy to stop by the library for me when he goes to town, and always remembers that books are my favorite gift.
  5. All the wonderful authors whose works have brought me joy or comfort, made me think, helped me feel I’m not alone, or simply offered a few hours of delightful escape.
  6. Libraries.  Libraries introduced me to more books and worlds than I can number.  They’ve been a quiet and comforting place to hang out when I need some peace. And they let me feed my book habit without bankrupting my family.  
  7. Bookstores.  New and used, I love them all.  And besides, I met my husband when we were both managing bookstores (for a chain now long defunct.) 
  8. My e-reader.  Because now I don’t have to travel with a carryon suitcase half-full of books. Seriously.
  9. Audiobooks.  You mean I can still enjoy a book, even when I’m driving, washing dishes, folding laundry, or knitting?  That rocks.
  10. Johannes Gutenberg.  Because without him… well, it should be obvious.

Photo by Carlos Porto (CC BY-NC 2.0)

Related Posts

21 Responses to “Top Ten Bookish Things I’m Thankful For”

  1. readerholicnotes

    You have a wonderful and thoughtful list, Lark. I agree with every one of them. I feel so sorry for your friend who suffered strokes. I can relate to that since my mother who loved reading had Alzheimer’s for several years and it was heartbreaking to see her struggle to read.

    • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard

      It’s really hard. I don’t see her anymore, mostly because her parents moved her in with them (they are in another state). She emails me, but we can’t carry on a conversation via email because by the time I reply, she’s completely forgotten what she sent to me. The damage goes beyond her short-term memory; there are processing issues, too, I think. But her personality is still intact. It is really hard. I miss her very much, as she was. I’m sure everyone else who loves her feels the same way.

  2. kimbacaffeinate

    That is one of my two biggest fears. The first losing my eye sight, and the second domensia. Wonderful list you have so many things to be grateful for 🙂

    • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard

      I have two pairs now — well, three, really. The bifocals I use all the time, the computer glasses because the top part of the bifocals focuses too far away to work for the computer screen and the bottom part is too close, and a pair of distance glasses for driving or hiking. Couldn’t live without ’em! (I can’t wear contacts; my eyes are too dry.)

  4. Becki @ The Flutterby Room

    Great list. I’m with you on all your picks. Not being able to read, for whatever reason, would be hard. Audiobooks don’t really have the same feeling for me as actual books (whether ebook or physical copies) because I find my mind wanders more with them because I don’t have to concentrate so much. I’m sorry to hear about your friend, it must be very hard for her, her family, and you (and her other friends).

    • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard

      I agree that audiobooks don’t have the same feel, and my mind wanders more, but they’re great for sharing a book with someone else, or for listening when your eyes or hands are busy elsewhere. As for my friend, it’s been quite a while; I think it’s probably hardest on her family, because a lot of her friends (including me) are only in touch sporadically because of the difficulty in communicating.

    • Lark @ The Bookwyrm's Hoard

      I can only listen when cooking if the recipe is really familiar, otherwise I keep having to turn it off (or adding some ingredient twice). But yes, great for washing dishes, doing laundry, sweeping and mopping floors, simple knitting, being a passenger in the car (I can’t read in the car without getting carsick, but I can listen and do mindless knitting if I don’t have to look at it much.)

  7. Stephanie Shepherd

    All the items dealing with the very basic ability to read are such a good call! I can’t imagine not being able to read and it is such a blessing to be able to do so. Thanks for the great list!

  9. Bea

    That is an incredibly thoughtful list. I would probably have a similar list if not as well-written.