“That's the thing about books. They let you travel without moving your feet.” -- Jhumpa Lahiri
In this time of world-wide upheaval, when traveling to places far and even near is discouraged or restricted, there is still a way for you to leave your present surroundings and enjoy a sense of journey. The answer is through books!
Books have long been my first source of adventure and escape, and now more than ever, they are providing me the opportunity to visit other worlds, other times, and other peoples as a way of escaping present circumstances and uncertainties. At no other time have books been more available and accessible than they are right now. Many of us have been given the gift of time to visit any place that we choose which can be found between the covers of a book, be it an actual book or virtual.
Below are some of my favorite book-destinations. Feel free to make your own visit to these favorites of mine. Enjoy the peace, the adventure, the feelings of satisfaction as good conquers evil, the joy of love surviving and thriving, the wonder of new experiences. Then also feel free to share some of your favorite book-destinations.
Anne of Green Gables -- My favorite go-to for comfort and the companionship of an old friend. The fictional sleepy town of Avonlea, nestled on Canada's Prince Edward Island, is so real to me. I love to walk the forest paths with Anne, look across the Lake of Shining Waters, or run across the field to visit Diana. The visit never disappoints me.
The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe -- Escaping through the wardrobe door into the land of Narnia is another journey that never disappoints. How exciting it is to see Narnia for the first time or for the hundredth time. How comforting to share a cup of tea with Mr. Tumnus. How awesome to run my hands through Aslan's golden mane. How victorious to see the White Witch and her minions defeated, and then to realize that our Lord has defeated Satan just as completely.
Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe -- A visit to Whistle Stop, Alabama in the 1930's never fails to make me laugh. Idgie's high-jinx and Dot Weems' comments bring the town to life. The parallel story of Evelyn becoming Tawanda completes the humorous trip for me.
Christy -- I love to travel with Christy Huddleston to the backwoods of the Smoky Mountains in the early 1900's. Learning to love the Mountain People, watching Christy as she matures in mind and soul, and enjoying the intricacies of a time long-past is a trip worth taking.
Papa's Wife -- This little-known gem of a book is the first of three by Thyra Ferre Bjorn. The reader is transported to Sweden at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a journey of family, love, and fun. I first read it in high school and loved it so much I considered stealing it from my high school library. (Don't worry, I didn't give in to temptation. I later found the whole series on Amazon.)
Daddy Long-Legs -- Accompanying Judy Abbott as she leaves the orphanage and goes to upstate New York to attend college thanks to the kindness of an anonymous benefactor is a trip well worth taking. I walk alongside Judy as she conquers her fears and becomes who she was meant to be, all while writing detailed letters to her benefactor to keep him up to date with her activities. (The illustrations make it even more fun.)
Joy in the Morning -- Annie also travels to a college-town, but as a wife, not a student. For many years I have returned to Annie's story of trials, achievements, sorrows, and joys as she navigates the life of leaving home and becoming a wife while still becoming her own person. The 1920's midwest college town is the perfect destination for Annie's story.
I have many more favorite books populating my shelves. These books listed above are the old friends in whose company I seek escape and comfort during trying times such as these. The main Book that I go to for comfort however is God's Word, the Bible. It never disappoints. I especially search the Psalms for comfort, reassurance, and peace. I pray that comfort, reassurance and peace for all of you at this time.
