Not the kind of magic you might be thinking of with Halloween approaching, but I must confess, I have a long-time addiction to a certain type of portable magic that has followed me throughout my life — books. This addiction began when I was just a child and has only grown more intense over the years. Like many of us, I blame my mother. She was the one who opened the door to this magical world for my brother and me when we were very young. Each week, she took us to the public library, encouraging us to wander the aisles, carefully selecting the books that would come home with us.
I can still recall those library books’ musty, earthy scent as I navigated the seemingly endless rows. Each one promised a journey — some to real places, some entirely imagined, but every single one offered an adventure.
Some of my early favorites were the Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle books. This series revolved around children’s bad habits, with Mrs. Piggle-Wiggle, a tiny woman living in an upside-down house, using creative methods to correct them. Another childhood favorite was Amelia Bedelia, the housekeeper who hilariously misinterpreted instructions. When told to “draw the drapes,” she took out a pencil and paper and did just that. When told to “dust the furniture,” Amelia dutifully sprinkled powder over every surface. Her literal-mindedness exasperated her employers, Mr. and Mrs. Rogers, but her pies — especially her lemon meringue — were so delicious that they quickly forgave her.
Then came Charlotte’s Web, my first emotional deep dive into the power of books. It was the first story that made me truly feel. It taught me the meaning of sacrifice, friendship, and perseverance. I empathized with Fern and Wilbur, whose bond tugged at my heartstrings, and I wept when Charlotte, the wise and selfless spider, saved Wilbur but couldn’t save herself.
As I grew older, my tastes matured. My adolescent Sundays were spent sleuthing with Nancy Drew and The Hardy Boys. Nancy Drew, in particular, was a revelation. Here was a strong, independent female character who solved mysteries while being fashionable, smart, and brave. When I’d finished all her books, I raided my brother’s Hardy Boys collection, eager for more adventures.
Adulthood brought new roles — wife, mother, career woman — but one thing never changed: my insatiable appetite for books. I found ways to steal reading moments amidst the chaos, often with a baby on my hip or a pot simmering on the stove. Each story transported me from my everyday life to a wonderful world of adventure, satisfying my need for escape.
I passed my love of books on to my children, just as my mother had done. Weekly trips to the library became a cherished tradition, and they memorized their favorite stories before they could even read. One such book was Amy, Ben, and Catalpa the Cat. They could recite every word, and I was thrilled to track down a copy for each of them, ensuring this family tradition would continue.
Recently, I heard about a young mother battling ALS who had lost her ability to speak. Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, she stated that she can now read bedtime stories to her children in a voice that sounds just like her own. The joy and comfort this gave her reminded me just how profound the act of reading truly is an intimate, timeless bond between parent and child. Even now, my daughter and I love reading the same books to share our thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
Books are so much more than just words on a page; they are portable magic. Do I sometimes become so immersed in a story that I feel a sense of loss when it ends, missing the characters I have grown to love? Absolutely. Do I eagerly dive into another book, anxious to immerse myself in a new world? Without a doubt. Being an avid reader creates a unique connection with others who share this passion. In this sub-culture of book lovers, we bond over stories and characters, exchanging recommendations like found treasures.
My challenge to you is simple: Pick up a book. Let it take you on a journey. Broaden your horizons, reduce your stress, spark your imagination, and join the rest of us who are hopelessly addicted to this portable magic.
I believe Author Annie Dillard captured it perfectly: “She reads books as one would breathe air, to fill up and live.”
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Rhonda S. Kelley is the Executive Director of the Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
This post was originally published on here
