Books. I love books. Since I can remember I have had a love for stories. I can't recall the first real book I read. Most likely I can't remember because the written word is part of my very being. Fairytales were probably some of the first stories I heard and they still influence my life today. Often my father would come in at bed time to tell me a fairytale, and then I would fall asleep dreaming of giant beanstalks, talking wolves, and enchantments of all sorts. I believe if I were to try and distill the pure essence of myself, a good portion of that would be made up of all the many stories and books that have influenced my life. I cannot live without the written word. To do so would cripple me just as surely as hacking off one of my limbs. Reading is my outlet. It is a way in which I can immerse myself in facets of life that I would otherwise not experience. The written word gives me the ability to expand my vocabulary and in doing so give me more ability to express myself and my ideas. Ideas that stem from the amount of written word that I consume. This is why I love books. They are such an integral part of who I am. Sometimes I wonder if I truly am just words. I wouldn't be the least surprised if I were to shed my skin and instead of bone, muscle, and sinew I found words. All the many words that I have ever read, heard, or thought. These words would be so tightly packed and interwoven that they themselves would make up my inner frame. Who knows maybe I don't have muscles, but only cleverly intertwined masses of words that work together to create me. If this were the case I probably have a whole arm woven entirely of Harry Potter. My love for the written word is a part of what drives me as a human being and also the reason for this post. I have taken the challenge of dedicating a blog post to a specific book that I am grateful for. Those who know me, also know I would sooner pick a favorite star in the sky then pick a favorite book. That being said there are MANY books that inspire me and here is one of my favorites.
The Goose Girl by Shannon Hale
A friend suggested the book to me in jr. high and from the moment I read it I fell in love. I fell in love with the characters how they have such strength and yet learn to overcome their weaknesses. I was drawn in by the way in which a forgotten fairytale which I knew was suddenly brought to life fuller and more magical then before. The depth and realness of the setting astounded me. To this day I annually go back and travel the road to Bayern with Ani. I feel the hurt of her betrayal and marvel at the strength it took for her to overcome the trials set in her life. Along her journey I continue to fall in love with everything within the story from the quiet forest boys to the dashing young gentleman who comes to her pasture. I am so grateful for this story because it draws me in, takes me on a journey, and then leaves me listening to the wind for weeks to come. Somedays I still listen with all my heart to the wind hoping that maybe one day it will speak to me and then just maybe it will bring with it the image of a golden-haired girl in a gorgeous green pasture surrounded by geese. This is why this book inspires me because it still leaves me with the lingering sense of magic woven by the tale even days after the last page has turned.
Sorry for the extremely long post, but remember I love words. And the amazingly awesome reason for this post besides my love of books is this fantabulous contest put on by the wonderful, creative, fantastical author Beth Revis. And here is a link to the contest/her blog which is awesome to read. Seriously. Awesome doesn't even begin to describe her.
-win19
