BOOKS a'million!

     I'm not sure what it is about an old filled-to-the-brim bookstore, but I could spend hours upon hours in one.  I've always been drawn to the pages of a book.  True, reading is one of my many passions, but there's something that's just so... comforting about a book itself.   Time after time I have flipped through the pages of books new and old, breathing in the musty scent of the paper pages-- it's a smell I have come to know and love.  I've often said, if there was a job that would allow me to sit hours on end and do nothing but read, I'd be the "Michael Jordan" of the business.
     A book can take you places you've never been; they have the ability to make you feel things you long to feel; they can bring a tear to your eye, a smile to your face, or resurface a memory you thought to have buried long ago.  A book can take you on a journey that may take you years to complete (Harry Potter anyone?), or take you to worlds unknown! (Tolkien's 'Middle Earth' is one of my favorite vacation destinations). 
    It was during my time in London however, that I fell in love with the bookstore.  I found it so exciting and fresh that everywhere I went I would spot someone, nose in a book, eyes scanning the pages before them.  Yes, I enjoyed reading before my time abroad, but it was during my time there that I caught what I like to call the bookstore fever.  I began "searching" for bookstores in the area, but wasn't surprised to find that I didn't have far to look.  It's safe to say I'm not the only one who noticed the passion folks in Britain have for books-- there's surely a bookstore for each of them!  Almost every corner I turned, there would be a little hole-in-the-wall bookshop.  And not just any bookshop-- books literally lined the walls of these places and stood in stacks floor to ceiling!  Take a look at this quaint little place I found in Brighton-- perfect name for it don't you think?  It "brightened" my day just going inside......

And this wonderful little place in Edinburgh, Scotland was truly one of my favorites. 

As well as this one...................

   So as you can imagine, I returned home and knew I would not be content until I found a shabby little shop (or two) to suppress my new favorite pastime. I was determined to find a place that I would love just as much as my stores abroad so... I set out on a mission.  Thankfully though, it was more of a short drive than a long and drawn out task.  The "Bookman/Bookwoman" book store in Nashville's Hillsboro Village was just what I was looking for.... 

      "Bodacious Books" on White Bridge Road is another great little jam-packed book-shack.  Here's a peak inside...

     On Saturday mornings, you can usually find me searching these shelves for my next great adventure. Every book you can possibly imagine can be found in these cozy places.  And another thing to keep in mind-- books here are normally cheaper than the same reads sold at big name bookstores.
     Nowadays, I know many "high-techies" are opting for new reading devices like the popular "Kindle" and "Nook" readers, but to me nothing is better than the feel of an actual worn-and-torn book in my hand.
    So for me I'll continue to flip through the pages, swooning over vampires ("Twilight"), crying over a soldier ("Dear John"), and going back in time to visit another era and way of life ("The Other Boleyn Girl").
    What will your next journey be?  Pick a book and embark on one!
~ Happy reading everyone.