A Stack of Books

A Stack of Books

A stack of books. It’s a simple enough idea.

When we were kids, back in the olden days before computers, textbooks would often be stacked on our desks reminding us of the homework we have to complete. For some reason, as we become adults, there are often books around.

Books that then become stacks of books. The stacks then are put on to shelves and then there can be so many books that people have rooms lined with shelves holding all the books — a personal library of sorts.

I have had shelves and I have had stacks of books and I actually prefer the latter. Why? Well, when I feel that I have shelves of books my thought is I have way too many and they should be donated. So, I go through and cull my books — no more need for shelves.

But my stacks of books — now that I cannot give up. First off my stacks of books are not regular reading books of fiction and non-fiction, but rather oversized books about art, geography, interests, and other varied topics. These large, hard bound books have beautiful covers in all sorts of colors. Now, I can use my stacks for home decor purposes.

A stack of books neatly arranged and placed together on a tabletop feels satisfying to me. It is organized, interesting, and the books often remind me of something important in my life — an art exhibit I took in and really enjoyed or a topic of interest that I want to know more about. It’s satisfying.

Of course, people come in and look at my stacks of books. It’s home decor, but it’s also interesting, full of topics waiting to be explored amongst one another. Definitely can be a conversation starter. They can be grouped by similar topics or in an eclectic way that includes a variety of topics. However you arrange your stacks, make it interesting.

I also stack my collection of children’s books. Oh such whimsy in that stack. I still love to collect children’s books and to read them through again and again. So much wisdom in there. So, stacks can be bright and fanciful and appeal to the children who visit your home.

Stacks of books are organizing, a home decor tool, and inspiration for topics of conversation — also if you have stacks and not shelves you probably have just enough. Although it is always difficult to part with books it is an easy thing to donate and pass on to others without crowding your home — unless shelves of books is your vibe!

Here’s to a stack of books!

Best Books to Read During Quarantine

Books to Read
What’s on Your Reading List?

So, what are the best books to read during quarantine?

The answer is simple: whatever you are drawn to — and perhaps, with more time on your hands to read, this is the moment to break out and read in a new genre. Say you love reading literary fiction. This may be the moment to try a mystery or something funny to change up what you are reading. Or you could just pick out a bunch of books that you read in the genre you love and dive in.

I always appreciate reading the Book Review section of the New York Times to inspire my reading choices, especially these days. I am not only sending books off to others that I think they may enjoy, but also downloading Kindle books that catch my interest, both in my field and just for fun. I am trying to bring in the new to my days that keep on and on one after the other in quarantine. A book takes me away from my world and envelopes me in another

Also, I find reading is different to watching a show. My mind gets to imagine the world that the author paints for me in my own way. It is not completely prescribed and so my imagination comes into play more when I read. And when I find an author who writes so well that I can’t put the book down, that is just so satisfying in a way that watching something does not deliver for me.

There are many lists of books to read during this quarantine time. Here are some:

  1. People Magazine
  2. Time Magazine
  3. Refinery 29

And there are many, many more lists like these that encourage you to read and give your mind a break from the quarantine many of us are still living in across the world. This also may be the time to revisit all of those books you were supposed to read in high school and college. You know, the classics! You may want to revisit the authors of the past to hear their tales of wisdom, even the master Shakespeare may be calling your name.

Read! Take time to read for fun, pleasure, to escape, to relax. Then share with me — what are you reading?