When I was younger, I loved reading and couldn’t get enough of it. My stepdad read stories to me every night, as well as my grandmothers when I was at their houses. As I went into my teenage years, I became more interested in the Internet and TV and slowly drifted away from my once joyous hobby. However, this year, I have decided that one of my “resolutions” (although, I think it’s more of an expectation) will be reading 25 books by December 31st! I have already started the year with reading How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie (highly recommended), and am currently reading Reinventing Organizations by Frederic Laloux (for the sociology nerd in me) and Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain. I also hope to pick up some random novels, short stories and classics (I really want to re-read Of Mice and Men and The Old Man and the Sea).
Tonight, we were walking through Melbourne Central, and came across The Little Library, which is a community initiative that’s been around for about two years. People can borrow a book and return it or they can bring back one of their own in its place! The sweet little room stopped me in my tracks, not just because of its incredibly cute and rustic decor (although that definitely played a huge role!) but because I realized that now, I had absolutely no excuse to not go pick up a book or two (especially since it’s free)! The Little Library is just another a reason why I love Melbourne; even in a city of 4+ million people, it still feels like a little community. :-) I’m so excited to go visit it again and browse through the stacks of books just waiting to be discovered and given a new home; to indulge in new adventures, learn new skills and expand my knowledge.
Call me old-fashioned, but I do love the feeling of an actual paper book — writing my name on the back of the cover, making dog ears, using an actual bookmark — and mm, the smell of it! I love the smell of books. It takes me back to my childhood…! I’m looking forward to fulfilling this expectation this year, and would love any recommendations you may have — please leave them in the comments below :-)
xo,
Kelly
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