It always amazes me how books can connect people. I know that whenever I meet someone new, a question that is sure to show at least part of our “kindred spirit-ness” is “So, do you like to read?”. If the answer is in the affirmative, and the person starts waxing eloquent about their beloved authors and books, I know we’ll definitely have something to talk about for awhile.
And when you discover that another person has the same favorite authors, or the same books that they’ve read and reread over and again, there’s such a kinship found too. Books can shape so much of a person’s life, and having someone understand, without explanation, why you think a certain way, can be so refreshing. When you’ve read a book once or many times over, and you connect with it, the phrases and ideas become a part of you. However, they really can only be entirely understood by a person who has read and connected with the same book. For me, because I can so completely relate, I think often of what Anne says to Marilla in Anne of Avonlea about “fly[ing] right up on the wings of anticipation” and then crashing “down to earth with a thud”. I too often “fly and then thud”, but only someone who’s read that particular book can completely understand the analogy.
Though those who aren’t bibliomaniacs often don’t understand, there truly is a kinship between those who love books. Those of us who understand the thrill of finding a book you’ve long been searching for. Those of us who understand that there are certain books that just have to be reread every so often. Those of us who understand the sigh of utter contentment that inevitably escapes you when you finish a really good book. We understand each other, and always will.
This is so true! I have a couple of friends who don’t like to read at all and I find that they are the ones I am least close to…whereas my best friend and I often exchange books and recommendations.
From someone else who also often “flys and then thuds”, lol, I can relate!
This post=*happy sigh*
True, true, true!
I’ve been reading since I was barely 5 and have loved books from Day 1.
Reading opened up an amazing world for me.
Growing up, I’d rather have gone to the library than to have gone to get ice cream even!
So I am curious to know your favorite authors now, Jessica
How true! The books you read reveal what you love and are passionate about. I’ve found that a kinship quickly develops between those who love the same authors and style of writing.
I love this sentence:
“Those of us who understand the sigh of utter contentment that inevitably escapes you when you finish a really good book.”
I can so relate!
This is so true! When I meet new people and we are almost running out of things to talk about, I’ll ask them “Do you like to read?” Their reply makes all the difference!
I love discussing books with friends–in fact I think I’ll share this article with several of them. 
It’s so true that a love for reading creates a fellowship between people – especially if they read or like a lot of the same books!