One of my greatest pleasures is to sit on our porch, with a hot cup of tea and shut the door and read.  There is nothing like an escape to another world, to walk in another’s shoes on a great adventure in different culture, or solve a puzzle or a crime, be present as one resolves a struggle or laugh out loud at a character’s crazy antics.  I tend to read everything I can get my hands on that has been recommended or has a good review.  I also like to go to amazon and pick out a few new authors they like because I feel like I’m helping to jump-start a career.  The best thing about a good book is the wisdom and insight that I can absorb without having to actually live the experience.  That is the quality of a good book, when it rings so true and is written so well, that you are absorbed into the story itself.  I’ll never forget the first time I can remember being so engrossed in a book that I read it under my covers with a flashlight (which truly was a feat because I shared a room with two sisters) because I just couldn’t put it down.  The book was “To Kill a Mockingbird”  and it was such an amazing story that I was actually conflicted at the end.  I was happy that Boo Radley was the hero afterall, but sad that my journey with Scout and Jem was over.  There is nothing like the feeling of becoming so engrossed in a story that time is suspended and you can feel the emotions of the characters with them.  Those times come far and few between these days.  I find myself impatiently trying to find “that book” again.