The Great Escape

I took a break from writing for a couple of weeks since I became completely immersed in reading. What actually happened was me checking Libby, the Lee County library online system, and discovering that a copy of Demon Copperhead written by Barbara Kingsolver was available. What I didn’t realize at the time was that I had won some kind of special gift from the library since this book has been on a hold list for approximately two years.

I felt as if I grabbed the golden ring on the merry-go-round. The only problem was this special gift meant I only had the book for one week and it’s 550 pages. I know I’m retired, but I do have a bit of a life and I can’t read a 550-page book in one week. Well, maybe I can, but I wasted two days finishing a different book, assuming I had the normal two weeks to read this one. So, now I had 5 days to read this book and that just wasn’t happening. But damn if I didn’t try.

I came close, but I ended up buying the Kindle version because I can’t leave a good book unfinished. What further complicated my reading deadline was the storyline. This book is intense, focusing mainly on a boy who’s born into a life of drugs, alcohol, poverty and abuse, and who eventually has to navigate the foster care system.

Although this was fiction, I believe Ms. Kingsolver captured the true essence of living through, and surviving, this nightmare of a world. I found there were times when although I could have kept reading, I either needed a break or it was too close to my bedtime. I love reading in bed before I go to sleep. It’s how I unwind, but the story was too dark for me and I felt so anxious hoping his life would turn around and wondering if it did, how long it would last. I felt as if I knew him and should have been helping him.

This right here is the very essence and beauty of writing. To bring your readers into a world you have created or portrayed and have them connect so deeply to your characters and your story is what every writer strives to accomplish. There are several writers who have that ability and when you discover them and their books, it opens up a whole new world for you.

Unlike television or movies, reading gives you the opportunity to add your own flair to a story. Although you are given an idea of what your characters look like, it is your imagination that takes you the rest of the way. And if you want to take the lead role and make believe it’s you in that story, you go for it. It’s your world once you open that book and you can do whatever you want in that world. A book can make you laugh or cry, afraid or nervous just utilizing words. There are no actors driving the plot home. It’s you, baby. All you and it’s one of the greatest gifts in life.

Escape the world you live in and dive into the world of books. You won’t be sorry.