Yesterday was National Book Lovers Day, so I spent time thinking about books and stories–the ones that had lingered there, long after the last page was read. Was there one particular book I could say was my favorite, or one that had helped shape me in a particular way?

Of course, the Bible, the inspired word of God, is a book I was introduced to at a very early age, and one that I read often, maybe every day. Overall, the Bible is the most important book to me because it guides my life and showed me the path to follow for a home in heaven someday. So, it ranks up there in a way that no other book can.

Besides the Bible, was there one book I could say was that very special one? After much thought, I decided that choosing one would be impossible because at each stage of my life I found books or was presented with books and stories that delighted me, helped me learn and grow, and provided entertainment.

One of my earliest memories of books was when I was read to by my mother at bedtime or in her lap. Books that contained nursery rhymes or Andersen’s Fairy Tales, complete with eye-catching illustrations ignited my imagination.

Then, when I started first grade (we didn’t have kindergarten then) I loved reading about Dick, Jane and Sally. I had books at home, but at school I had my very own reader. Holding a book and choosing other books to read in the classroom became something I enjoyed very much.

Moving on to books with chapters, I couldn’t get enough of books like The Bobbsey Twins and Trixie Belden. My mother also bought me other books like Heidi and Little Women. Since we didn’t have a library in our small town, on trips to Morgan and Lindsey Variety Store in Silsbee, I’d select a book from the metal rack. My maternal grandmother, an avid reader, always slipped me a dollar to support my reading habit.

But then I was introduced to the library at Buna Elementary School. Our librarian, Miss Gaines, must have seen my eyes light up when I entered the room that held all the books at the top of the stairs, and she made it a point to recommend books she knew I would love. It was there I found books by Laura Ingalls Wilder, and I read every one that year. And maybe more than one time.

In Junior High I discovered stories by O. Henry and was delighted to read “The Ransom of Red Chief”. Reading “The Gift of the Magi” by the same author brought a different response. It was touching and truly unforgettable.

Then in eighth grade literature class, Mrs. Champion introduced us to the epic poem, Evangeline, A Tale of Acadie, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It was Longfellow’s most famous work, and I still enjoy reading it today. I’m grateful for teachers like Mrs. Champion who brought the stories to life, inspiring her students to read and experience the rich settings and characters and to feel the emotion of the authors that had been transported to the page.

The list goes on and on. So, I celebrated National Book Lovers Day yesterday. And I believe that once you’re a book lover, you’re always a book lover. Do you agree?