Sharing a Book

Did you know that in addition to Valentine’s Day, February 14 is also International Book Giving Day? (Of COURSE it was @bethanyschlegel who tipped me off to this factoid a few years ago. #whoelse)

My dad texted me the other day: “Got a sec? Just started History of the Rain. Just two pages. I am already deeply moved by his prose. Would like to read it to you. Kinda weird, huh? After you hear it you will run to the library to get a copy.” Lucky me, I had a sec. Even luckier — and even more serendipitous? — I had bought a copy of Niall Williams’ Booker longlisted novel (2014) just the other week. My dad was actually the one to introduce me to This is Happiness by the same author — one of the best books I’ve ever read.

Sometimes you don’t need to physically give a book to share a book. Maybe a quick phone call will do. (But if you’re looking for a Valentine’s gift, perhaps a book is the way to go?)

{Pic taken at Louisa May Alcott’s Orchard House the day before my college graduation. 🤩📚}

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originally published on instagram