Something new is up! I've been asked to be a regular reviewer over at Five Minutes for Books. And let me tell you, when I walk down that aisle someday, to receive that award that doesn't exist, when I stand behind that podium with the microphone in my hand, my momma who drove me back and forth to the Terrell Park Library EVERY SINGLE WEEK - well, yes, she'll receive all the praise. My love of books began with the Dick and Jane series and hasn't waned a bit over the years. I tore through every single Nancy Drew, fell in love with Misty from Chincoteague Island, moved on to the Nurse Sue Barton books, then there was the period when I read biographies of Helen Keller, Albert Einstein, whoever tickled my fancy.

The banner day of the week during those long, hot summers was when the bookmobile parked at the corner, up the street from 7170 Click Drive in Beaumont, Texas. I'd walk around the inside of that little converted bus, shelves lined with book after book, knowing I could check out whatever my little heart pleased. Truth be told, I still miss that little blue card with the metal strip running through it. Back then it was the only card in my little wallet and I was beside myself every time I reached up and handed it over to the librarian to run through the swiper machine. As soon as I returned those three, which was generally about 2.5 days later, I could take home three more. The constant-these-days crick in my neck may well be due to all those hours spent walking down aisles with my head cocked sideways, reading spine labels.

So, okay I'll never get a book reviewer award, but I will get to read a lot of great books and tell you about them. That alone will make my mother smile. If you converted all the gas she burned driving the station wagon with the woodgrain decal peeling off in places, two seats forward and one seat back (and thank the good Lord I didn't have to ride facing backwards because it was determined early on that forcing me to do so would necessitate hosing out the vehicle), back and forth to the library week after week after week, these days that would be enough cash flow to feed a family of four for a week. She had quite an investment in developing this love of mine. I'd still rather have a musty smelling hardback, discovered amongst the mess at some discount bookstore than a pair of the newest trend in shoes. I'm thankful Jennifer, over at 5M4B, only requested a headshot, since I'm not sure I've pulled off matching shoes and outfits more than half a dozen times in what is getting to be a longish life.

Books - they go with everything. You can run over and check out my first, sure to receive an award review - Home to Holly Springs by Jan Karon. The ladies over at Five Minutes for Mom have put together this new site, with a great team of reviewers. Different ages and stages of life - we'll all be busy sharing our thoughts on how to clean our house using all those new cucumber scented products what we've been reading while curled up on the sofa. So be sure to bookmark the site, then you can grab a bowl of nacho chips or popcorn or M&M's and head to the sofa. Exercise? Get in your thirty minutes and check it off the list. Then grab a good book because you don't want to miss the really good stuff!

Labels: 5 Minutes for Books