April 1978
On Sale: April 1, 1978
Featuring: Michael Hillyard; Nancy McAllister
288 pages ISBN: 0440170796 EAN: 9780440170792 Mass Market Paperback Add to Wish List
Young architect Michael Hillyard and artist
Nancy McAllister are determined to get married despite his
wealthy mother's disapproval. Then, minutes before their
wedding, a terrifying accident and a cruel deception
separate Michael and Nancy -- perhaps forever. Each pursues
a new life -- Nancy in California, Michael in New York. But
eventually nothing -- and no one -- can keep them apart
as they keep their vow never to say good-bye.
I've been reading ever since I can remember - hiding under the covers with a flashlight after the lights were out for the night. I'm usually reading at least two books, sometimes more. Can't imagine not reading. (Leslie Gladnick 12:51pm April 19, 2009)
started just awhile ago with firends who read then got me hooked (Kim h 3:27am April 19, 2009)
Sara should the mood ever hit Mr. Popper is a great story. It's really about a man who has a dream and finally achieves it, and his family helps him even though it does require some sacrifice!
Leslie, I know many people talk about reading with the flashlight under the cover, I for one don't recall ever doing that. Is it fun? Did I miss out on a childhood ritual?
Kim, look at all the great books and series you don't have to wait for! I hope you enjoy reading as much if not more than your friends. (Sandi Shilhanek 6:28am April 19, 2009)
I've liked reading since I was young though I don't recall any specific reason why I started reading. (Rachael Haas 6:31am April 19, 2009)
My mother has a picture of me at age two with a book and it looks like I am really reading it despite the fact that the book is upside down. To this day, I can still read upside down! I remember learning to read in school and picking it up so quickly that I always read ahead of the class to see what was going to happen next - I didn't want to wait for the teacher. That is a trait that carried through all of my years of high school and college. There is just something magical about books and I can never get enough of them. I have at least have a dozen books going right now, one for each room, practically! (Margay Roberge 7:11am April 19, 2009)
I have loved to read for as long as I can remember. For me, reading has always been entertaining. I love the romance, the mystery, and traveling to another time and place. I suppose the first books to really hook me were the Nancy Drew books. As an adult, I have found books to be a great stress-reliever. (Cheryl Castings 10:10am April 19, 2009)
I love when reading a book and being taken away to another place or reading about characters I would never encounter. (Teresa Warner 10:39am April 19, 2009)
Why do I read? That's almost like asking me why do I breathe?? I've been reading for as long as I can remember. My parents made sure I developed a love of reading. Anyone else old enough to remember the records that accompanied the children's books?? I had my own little record player and I played all of those little 45s and 33s to death! (Debbie Wiley 10:59am April 19, 2009)
You ask "Why Do I Read" -- I read to take my mind off my problems. I started reading when I was young and I remember going to the library and falling in love with Nancy Drew and the Bobsey Twins. (Danielle DeBuono 11:08am April 19, 2009)
I've been reading forever it seems. I still have my Winnie the Pooh books in a box set, I still have my first Little House on the Praire and I still remember sneaking to the library instead of going home! I think I was like 7! Not a good thing, but I have parents that just weren't there, so books were!
best billi jean (Billi Jones-dimatteo 11:18am April 19, 2009)
Hey Sandi, I read for a variety of reasons, but mostly to learn about new and different things...I read for enjoyment, as a means of escape, a means of distraction, and just to learn more about relationships with people. I know that is kind of wierd, but I don't get into relationships, not friendships, easily. I am too fearful, because I don't know what is going to happen. So, I read romance novels mostly to get a sense of how people act when they meet new people for the first time. I love Victorian lit, Rochester and Jane: my absolute favorite romantic characters...yeah, I know, not your typically romance, but I read it as such. I also read them to learn more about the time period; I am so in love with that era and the Middle Ages. I first starting reading at my mother's knee...she was reading romance novels, Mills & Boones, and I fell in love with the "fairy tale" locations and just the love stories. Betty Neels and Anne Mather were two of my fav authors then. A day doesn't really go by without me reading a couple or more pages in the three or four books I am reading at any given moment. It just doesn't feel like the day has ended when I don't read for fun. I have to be in a really depressive state to not read on any given day. No matter how busy I am, I always make time to read...as someone else stated...it is almost like asking "why do I breathe?" I hope that everyone has a wonderful day today...Have a happy reading day...
Peace and love, Paula R. (Paula Robinson 11:22am April 19, 2009)
Great Question. I can't remember learning how to read except I am pretty sure it happened in daycare since I was in daycare since I was about 3 years old. I do remember when I became an avid reader and that was later in life. I was in my early 20s and a friend gave me my first Julie Garwood historical romance. I was hooked from then on. From there I started to explore other authors and genres but historical romance still continues to be one of my first loves. (Desiree Dalton 12:05pm April 19, 2009)
I read to take myself to a different place filled with interesting people. I've always read for that reason. I remember my 3rd grade teacher reading a book aloud to the class every day after lunch recess. It would calm us down and make us look forward to being back in the classroom after recess. Just a wonderful experience. And then, there was Nancy Drew. I bought each book with my own babysitting earnings. Love to read fiction more than mysteries now. (Mary Hundley 12:18pm April 19, 2009)
I don't think I really started reading myself until I was a young teenager. I just wasn't into it until then. Now I read daily. I read to escape into my own little world. In reading I get to visit places that I have never been to before and will never get to visit. You can go everywhere in a book, even back in time. I love it! (Gail Hurt 12:34pm April 19, 2009)
When I was young and someone drew my name in the Christmas gift exchange they always knew that I would like a book more than anything else they might get me! (Karin Tillotson 12:39pm April 19, 2009)
My love of reading began early and has continued. I feel energized by reading and the ability to be transported to another time and place is wonderful. I remember reading the entire Anne of Green Gables series when I was young because my mother introduced me to this amazing story and has contributed to my love of reading. Nothing is comparable to reading a memorable story. (Sharon Berger 12:39pm April 19, 2009)
As the daughter of TWO librarians, and the granddaughter of an elementary school teacher (K-3), NOT reading was NEVER an option!! My grandmother taught both my brother and I to read by the time we were around 3 or 4, and I was always reading above my grade levels. It used to drive my teachers crazy, especially in 5th grade, when we had to do these stupid reading assignments, and then fill out little booklets on what we had just read. I'd always be done 10 - 15 minutes before everyone else in the class, and have to sit there and fidget, until my teacher would take pity on me and let me pull out what ever it was I was reading for fun and read that until the rest of the class was done. The downside of that was that everyone thought I was showing off, so it didn't make me any friends.
Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyway, to me reading is a form of escape, of learning, of relaxation, of friendship ( my best friends and I are always trading books back and forth!), of travel when I can't afford to go anywhere. I simply can't imagine a life without being able to read!
What do I like to read? A better question is: What WON'T I read? That list is much, much shorter than the first one! I'm not too big on horror, westerns, or certain areas of sci-fi. Otherwise, pretty much anything goes, at least once. I, like probably everyone else, have my favourite authors, and will buy and read anything they publish, although I do draw the line at the grocery list! I must admit, however, that I have been known to sit and read the OED (Oxford English Dictionary), because it's simply a fascinating piece of research and information about the english language! The same goes for the Dictionary of Regional English (DARE), put out by the University of Wisconsin - Madison. The last volume (S - Z) just was published, now they're going back and starting the revisions at A. Those two sets of dictionaries are such important resources for anyone wanting to know more about the engli (Lynn Rettig 12:45pm April 19, 2009)
I don't remember learning to read, either. It's just something I always remember doing. By the time I was in fifth grade, I was reading at college level and was placed in an advanced reading class. Today, I read anything and everything I can get my hands on. Genre isn't important, as long as the author can keep my interest. Just this weekend, I finished a crime novel by Patricia Cornwell and a romance by Linda Lael Miller. (LuAnn Morgan 12:51pm April 19, 2009)
Why do I read? It just seems like a fact like my eye color or other immutable things. My first grade teacher really was the one who turned me on to reading. I did not like reading aloud but reading to myself was just like magic from the first moment. If I don't get a change to read something before I go to sleep, I just can't sleep or don't sleep as well. It's like chill out time to stop focusing on all the things that I need to do but instead soak in and slow my brain to a kind of more meditative relaxed space. My first novels were Walter Farley's Black Stallion and Marguerite Henry's novels which were way beyond my reading level when I picked them up but they were about horses so I just read them anyhow. (Merri Crawford 1:13pm April 19, 2009)
I think the first books I can remember reading as a child was the Babar books. Then was Pippi Longstocking and Charlottes web. But I think my love of readind really started when I was in maybe grade 4 and I found this books called Sarah, it was about a young girl and how she it to grow up being jewish and what it means to her. But the book that really put my on the road to romance was Mrs. Mike., I loved that book so much. And from their the rest is history. (Kathleen O'Donnell 1:30pm April 19, 2009)
Reading is such a sweet escape. I read the entire children's and young adult section at my local liabrary and knew when a new book was on the shelf. With lights out at night, I used to read by flashlight and that makes eerie shadows with scary books. (Alyson Widen 1:58pm April 19, 2009)
I grew up out in the oountry with no neighbors, so then no nearby playmates, so I discovered books and fell in love! My mom had a huge collection of all the classics (Little Women, Black Beauty, Little House, Nancy Drew, etc) so I got hooked on those and always had a book in hand. ALso I had an elementary school teacher who was big on promoting reading and held a contest to see who could read the most books, and the top 10 winners would be treated to a trip to McDonalds, now when you are 8 years old that is the coolest. A couple years ago I ran into that teacher and told her thanks for inspiring me to read. And for a footnote, I remember I believe maybe 6th or 7th grade everyone got a hold of Judy Blume's book FOREVER and we all passed it around, it was the "it" thing to do. (Shauna George 2:11pm April 19, 2009)
I've read all of my life, from an early age. The Secret Garden and the Nancy Drew mystery books were among favorites. As an adult, I tried some of the romance books and didn't like them. All historicals with women as chattel and being raped, which turned into love (what?!). I didn't read much again until about 6 years ago. I was reading Cosmo, and Every month it has an excerpt of a romance novel. One month it was Linda Howard's "Open Season". I bought the book and that kick-started my romance reading. I still love mostly contemporary romance. I read for escapism and fantasy and mostly entertainment, as I'm not much of a TV watcher. I couldn't live without my books and online friends that reading has brought me! (Janet Lewis 2:25pm April 19, 2009)
the crazy thing is that when i was a kid, i hated to read. sometime after my first husband left, someone gave me a book, that was it! i started reading to escape my life. and to some extent i still do that. (Becky Kinkead 2:38pm April 19, 2009)
I grew up an only child, and was shy. I still am, but I loved to read. I was reading at 3 years of age, can't remember the first book I read as a child but I did love the Little House series a lot. I still have my set. I devoured all the Judy Blume books and just about all the books in the little library by my grandparent's house. In high school I'd often visit there before going to their house. I still read voraciously. Mostly fiction, actually I'll read just about everything. My children are becoming readers, their school requires them to read daily. It's nice to be able to share my Nancy Drew books with my daughter, and go to the library and help my son choose books he enjoys also. (Lisa Walters 4:26pm April 19, 2009)
Margay , that sounds like a great picture. I don’t think my family took any pictures of me reading or not! I don’t really remember if I was ahead of the class or not when doing the required reading, but I know that while I’m raising non readers my one son is ahead of his class in their current read Brave New World.
Cheryl, you and others have mentioned Nancy Drew, and when I was young I didn’t like her. Now I am fussy about my mysteries but I read some…much more than I remember reading when I was younger.
Debbie, I don’t recall having any records with my books, but when I taught Kindergarten I had a listening center and was always ordering cassettes and books for the kids to sit with headphones on and listen. We all loved it! I had enough copies of the book for everyone in the center to have their own copy.
Billie Jean, I still have some of my childhood books as well. I never read the Little House books, but when I was teaching one of my students checked one out, and was totally hooked. Her parents had to buy the set for her!
Desiree I went to daycare too from an early age, but I don’t know if that’s where I learned to read or not. I know a bunch of people are hooked on Garwood, but I’m still way behind on her.
Mary, I’m glad your teacher read to you I remember the second grade teacher reading to us, and those are the first chapter books I had to own. When I taught I read to the class whenever I felt like, but we always ended the day with reading!
Lynn, It’s great that reading was so encouraged at your house. My boys hate it, and it was suggested I model more for my oldest. I looked at that counselor and said I read 100+ books a year how much more modeling would you like. She had no comment of course! (Sandi Shilhanek 4:49pm April 19, 2009)
Merri, Kathleen, Shauna, Becky, and Janet thanks for sharing how you got your start in reading. It’s very interesting to see how many things different readers have in common and how different they are! (Sandi Shilhanek 4:52pm April 19, 2009)
I have always loved to read. Now my daughter and granddaughter are also readers. My gd loves going to the library with me. What I like is finding new authors. The only thing I don't really like to read is paranormal. But my gd does. (Judy Anderson 4:59pm April 19, 2009)
My earliest reading memories surround Little Golden Books. I smile when I see them in a store today and catch myself picking one up just to see if it's the same story....it is! As a young reader I was introduced to My Weekly Reader at school and read Nancy Drew at home. For me, reading was a place to hide. I was painfully shy (hard to believe it now, I'm sure). While reading, I didn't have to awkwardly try to carry on a conversation with someone. Though my friends waited until the last possible moment to finish their required book reading for class, I enjoyed every minute of it.
Strangly, I quit reading after college and only rarely picked up a book for probably 30 years. Don't get me wrong, I read, but it was magazines for the most part. One day, while I was in a Hastings Books to get a couple of magazines, I flipped through Jemima J by Jane Green, bought it, read it in one sitting and haven't put the books down since.
I usually have 3 books going at once: one in my purse, one by the bed and one on the coffee table. That way, I'm seldom caught without something to read. I still read because I'm shy, but for the most part, it's for the pure joy of it. (Jill Hayden 5:42pm April 19, 2009)
I don't know how old I was when I started reading, in school I guess!! I grew up where there was no TV until I was 12. My family got our first TV when I was 13, there was one channel!! Yes, one channel & we were thrilled. I was already an avid reader by then and have never stopped. The first books I can remember reading were the Bobbsey Twins. I read all of them & couldn't wait for a new one to come out. I don't remember owning books I went to the library. As a young adult I moved into "teen romance" and from there went on to adult books. My favorite books are still romance or romantic suspense. These days I tend to buy more by author but do like discovering a new voice. This is an interesting discussion Sandi. Nice to see so many comments. (Donna McClure 7:06pm April 19, 2009)
Ever since Mrs. Wilson's first grade class I have rarely been without a book or two going. I loved reading from the start and was the only kid on my block that was punished by being grounded from reading. Why do I read? Well, I read when I'm happy, sad, bored, lonely, have a 10 minute break or a 30 minute lunch, while I'm waiting for the dryer to go off, to find out what happens next, to visit old friends, to visit new places- times- attitudes. To be with the detective that solves the crime, the mother who saves her child, the lover who finds her soul mate, the wizard fighting for what's right and the bad girl who loves doing what's wrong. I read because it's the weekend, or there's nothing on TV that comes near being as engrossing, or the Dr. is running late or I'm line at the DMV. It would be easier to ask why I don't read. (Janet Beckley 7:25pm April 19, 2009)
I commented before about my own love of reading that began at an early age. I am a retired teacher, and I hope that I instilled my own love of reading in my students. Since I taught kindergarten and first grade, I hope that I not only taught the children how to read, but also the pleasure of reading. I know that when I read aloud to students, it was one of my favorite times of the day. (Cheryl Castings 7:35pm April 19, 2009)
For me I was from my Mother who read to me when I was little and she herself was a reader. Then from there I just fell in love with reading. They even know me by name and voice at my Barnes And Nobles. I will almost try any author once(except Sci-Fi and Western, not the romance that have a western theme in it Those I will try and read, I'm talking straight up westerns) I will also read anyway/anyplace. My favorite place is the couch and my Mother's car when she driving. My Mother still reads too so she knows when I'm reading I would like to have the radio off so I can read. I also have been known to bring a book into a movie theater and read while I'm waiting for the movie to start. I also have been known to read while in a restuarant while I'm waiting for my food to come. So now you know. (Maggie Roso 8:15pm April 19, 2009)
Debbie, I had the books w/records too! Can't tell you how many times I listened to Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious and Winnie the Pooh. I've never met anyone else who had those books.
I can't remember when I started to read, but I know my mom read Green Eggs and Ham more times than she could count. I'm going to guess that started it for me. She also got me the Weekly Reader books. Can remember reading all the Nancy Drews, then moving on to Agatha Christie and then into romance - all by the time I was 12. The library was definitely my best friend. I'm guessing one of the reasons I love to read is because I was an only child. Not shy - I always had friends (my best friend was also an only child who loved to read), but you can't always be with your friends and dad ruled the tv, so reading was a great option.
Now, I'm lucky enough to have two daughters, both of which read. I don't have the time to read as much as I'd like, but I always have a book I'm reading! (Amanda Reeder-erdly 8:19pm April 19, 2009)
I got hooked on romance in 7th grade with a Harlequin Romance. I love the escape that reading gives me. I've got three boys and even the dog is a male so this allows me to indulge in my romantic side. If I get extra cranky my husband has been known to ask me if I've had a chance to read lately. LOL (Lisa Freeman 9:04pm April 19, 2009)
Don't know what my first books were, but reading has always been very important to me. I'm the oldest of six - all very close in age. Every Saturday starting when I was in third grade or so, I'd walk into town as early as I could and spend the day at the library. I read mostly science books for a long time and added Nancy Drew. I spent a lot of time by myself at home and would read a good part of the time. The habit continued through high school and college. In the Peace Corps, volunteers were given library - a box of about 25 books. We' read what we liked and pass them around. Reading was a lifeline at some times - especially during rainy season. Today I read for work - I work in a small library. I try to keep up with both children's and adult books. It has been enjoyable finding new authors. However I now have more books on my TBR shelf than I'll ever be able to read. I read just about anything except horror and erotica. Still like suspense, romance, and nonfiction best. (Patricia Barraclough 10:02pm April 19, 2009)
I started reading at 16 while on summer vacation at my aunt's house and she had to work my first day there. She had a whole bookcase of paperback romances. My first romance was Captive Bride, a Regency historical by Johanna Lindsey. I was instantly hooked and have been reading off and on ever since. I read to keep my sanity. To relax. To get away from the real world. (Debbie Beverley 11:53pm April 19, 2009)
The first book I remember reading was Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. This is still a sentimental fav of mine, but I really became a reader after I graduated from college. Now I only read fiction, preferably romances of all genres. Love them (Carrie Divine 9:08am April 20, 2009)
I have enjoyed reading I think since about the second grade. I remember Mom saying " Joy put that book down and go outside and play." I remember the Little House Series, Box Car Children, Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden and more... It takes you to a different place. (Joy Hoormann 11:33am April 20, 2009)
I don't remember when I started reading. I do know that it was at a very young age and that because of this my parents thought I'd grow up to be a genius (ha-ha). The first books I read were the Little House and Nancy Drew books. And my first romance book was at the age of 12 and was A Rose In Winter by Kathleen Woodiwis. The reasons I read are for relaxation and the exotic locales are cheaper than an actual trip (I can vacation vicariously through the stories). (Jody Faltys 4:29pm April 20, 2009)
I don't recall when I started- I just know that I have always loved to read! A favorite was Black Beauty and I could swear there was a book called Smokey the Cowhorse but I haven't found that as an adult. I was a loner and books were my friends. And of course the Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew were favorites. I even read the dictionary and encyclopedia one summer or maybe two! Now I read as my form of relaxation. Always have a book or two going! (Martha Eskuchen 10:43pm April 20, 2009)
I have always enjoyed reading since I could remember.
I read for the enjoyment, to relax, to travel to places I probably would never get to go to in real life.
I read all kinds of books. My favorite genre's are mystery and romance. (Michelle Sauer 12:18pm April 21, 2009)
Another great question Sandi!I don't remember learning to read, I just always have done so. I know my mom read the little golden books to me but I don't remember a particular book until I read Black Beauty myself. I love reading to others--I read to my brothers, my students, my daughter and now my granddaughter. Books have been my joy and refuge my whole life and I am grateful for them. I don't know where I'd be without books! (Mary Perry 6:21pm April 21, 2009)
I started VERY young reading - I was one of the "do it myself" children and an only child. Yeah, boardgames are the WORST gift to give to an only child. And I've been reading ever since. To combat loneliness, boredom, or just to escape to another local - one far away and exotic that I'll never see outside of my mind's eye. (Kelli Jo Calvert 4:46pm April 23, 2009)
I started reading when I was young, first book I remember picking as a teenager was "Christy". I love to read, my sanity would not be the same without them! lol (Chris Jones 2:48pm April 29, 2009)
I definetly think you should read them. It doesnt matter to me whether they are old or new as long as I can enjoy the. (Sara Hurt 1:20am October 11, 2009)
I would never give up on reading those books from the treasured authors of my past. You might, in the pro9cess of reading them, rediscover the joy that originally drew you to them. Once your son has moved on to college and a life of his own, you will hopefully find more time to fill, and reading all those wonderful books will be a great way to fill those gaps. I can still, very clearly, remember being 7 years old and sneaking into my mother's room to raid her stack of Mills & Boon books (I was reading before I turned 4, so this was not such a strange feat for me). Then in my teens I remember progressing into loving the Barbara Cartland historical books. In my 20's and 30's I was drawn to more modern and contemporary stories, especially those involving families and kids, and now, in my early 40's I find that I love books about the paranormal and time-travel. As I've progressed through each phase, I've never completely given up the past phases... I still pick up an occasional Barbara Cartland book and quite enjoy it. Don't give up on all those backlist books... but if you do, please do me a favor and donate them to one of your local state-run nursing homes. The people who live there are usually there due to lack of funds, the government has no funds to spare for things like entertainment for their senior homes, so the books help fill up their library and provide valuable entertainment for thir residents - who deserve a full and joyful life even if they don't have a lot of money. (Donna Holmberg 1:22am October 11, 2009)
I've been wondering for years how to read all the books that I want to read.the pile of books to read is getting so carried away that's its almost half as mush books as I have read the just collecting dust why I keep buying more and more books I dont think I will ketchup whit my reading I by faster then I read.I can tell you one thing I can get entire series before I read them if they wait in the pile long a nuff. [email protected] (Stacey Smith 2:38am October 11, 2009)
How about being eccentric and alternating one back-list book with a new one? I do agree that gently used books should be donated for a second chance at life. (Susan Driskill 3:03am October 11, 2009)
I would attempt to read all of those books in that pile. I would never cast them aside. (Jane Cheung 3:19am October 11, 2009)
I'd read the books too !! As for staying young... what a nice idea ;-) (Joeelle Jappissont 5:34am October 11, 2009)
Like the other posters, I think you should read them, too. I have many books that were written over 20 years ago and have not read them, yet! But, I haven't given them away and they are not hidden on my bookcases... as a matter of fact, I can several right now!
Read them and enjoy them; I know I will. (Tracey Dent 7:42am October 11, 2009)
Read the books from your favorite authors, even if they are 20 years old. You have always enjoyed their books. Also read the newer ones. There are always newer authors who will strike your fancy. A good book is never too old. (Joanne Reynolds 8:25am October 11, 2009)
I always re read books from my favorite authors such as Diana Palmer, Jayne Ann Krentz and Linda Howard, from the time they wrote for Harlequin; other authors I have outgrown shall we say, and even though I haven't read their books in a while I still keep them for the future. I also have kept a coupe of boxes with my kids' Dr Seuss books that I'm sure one day I will read to my grandchildren. But for sure your tastes change over 40 years of reading and you go through phases, but still reading for me is something I will always do! (Diane Sadler 8:39am October 11, 2009)
I would read them! In fact, I won a wonderful book from an author and have printed their book list and hunted down all of them,read them all, just because I liked the author so much. Some were 20 years old, but it didn't matter. My tastes have really changed over the years, but I'll still read whatever I can get my hands on! My TBR pile gets bigger and bigger every day, but I just keep reading! I'd hate to think that the TBR pile would disappear one day and I would run out of books to read! How scary is that???? (JoAnn White 9:15am October 11, 2009)
I would definitely read the older books. It doesn't matter how "old" they are because once you start reading...you are "in" that book with those characters. I had never read a Stephanie Laurens book until about 3 weeks ago and read one of her brand new ones which led me to going back and finding ALL of her "old" ones. Needless to say...that was the absolute BEST thing I've done in years!!! And I totally agree with you, it would be awesome for our kids to grow up, move on and us to stay, hmmm, maybe 30? ;) (Tammy Faris 11:25am October 11, 2009)
We've moved too often to keep books forever, but I still keep some for my kids and their kids because like the ones you mentioned, they are classics and much better than many of the books published today. I don't go back, tho, and read oldies; just too many good new ones. (Ilene Pedersen 11:30am October 11, 2009)
I decided to go thru my TBR pile, like you said our tastes evolve as time goes by. There were some I know I'll never read and those are going to the UBS but I found many more sounded really interesting. (Joyce Mandle 11:33am October 11, 2009)
There are lots of older books that are still good reading. But I can feel for you w/ the time factor. I used to try to collect everything from a new found author, I realize now I just will never get to them all so now when I find someone new I just try to go forward (most of the time) w/o thinking I must collect the entire backlist. (Pam Nolan 11:37am October 11, 2009)
Hi Sandi! Like you there are so many books I've missed reading. But now there are even more authors I want to read. I'm just trying to say caught up with the new ones...and one a year of those I missed. Now...at 63 (in 3 weeks) I have to live a long time to get to those I missed! LOL That's my plan!!! (Sue Seeley 11:39am October 11, 2009)
I think our tastes do change through the year but where we stared doesnt. READ THE OLDER BOOKS! Where would we be without Jane Austen,EA Poe, and out firsts in Grimms Fairy tales. We've read some of those authors over and over and we take something new with us each time we read one. Those are the classics I realize but we wouldnt have wanted to miss those. So dont skip your older books because theres something new out there. Those books you havent read are new books to you no differnt than the new releases! (Jennifer Binford 11:41am October 11, 2009)
Hi Sandi--another great topic! I have the same dilemma and have come to the conclusion to read them or as many as I can. Something about those old books grabbed you (and me) back then and will probably still appeal to us. I have found when reading the older historicals (for example)I remember why I loved them then and that has not changed. I do buy a lot of new books and might never read them all but I love buying and owning books so that is no problem. Many of the books in my tbr my late mom read and my mil so if I never read them at least the moms enjoyed them. Some one mentioned keeping the children's books we and our children loved and I am glad I did because now I can share them with my grandchildren. (Mary Perry 11:45am October 11, 2009)
i find as i get older i appreciate the books i've read on a older level so i say give it a try (Jennifer Mathis 11:46am October 11, 2009)
I once read only true crime and horror, as I got older I got hooked on Time-travel romance. Now I read a lot of different genre. So I guess my tastes have evolved Occasionally, I clean out my library and donate some books but I will not part with my time-travel books because I still read them. I try to make time for the old and new. (Theresa Buckholtz 12:03pm October 11, 2009)
You can always remember the early days of your children which are fond memories. As they grow older and leave the nest you can think AH alone at last BUT sometimes they come hold again for all the crazy reasons but .sometimes they STAY (Marcia Brooks 12:25pm October 11, 2009)
Reading is my all tiem favorite pass time! I can never get enough, especially of the historical romances!! ;~) (Stefanie Finn 1:03pm October 11, 2009)
So many books, so little time! I have a huge pile of TBR books, both old and new titles. I intend to read them all, but if necessary, my husband will have to bury the last few with me! ;-) (Cheryl Castings 1:04pm October 11, 2009)
I usually keep a couple of books going - one from my very large TRB pile quickly taking over my closet, and one new release. If you don't read more than one book at a time, I'd alternate between the two. Some of those older books are just too good not to be read! (Kara Conrad 1:15pm October 11, 2009)
I'm not going to say whether you should read them or not, but if they're in your pile, there was something about them that attracted you to them.
If they didn't make it into your pile, do take a look at them and see if you might still like to read them.
My tastes have definitely changed, but expanded more than anything, became more eclectic. However, my favorite genre is still sci-fi/fantasy.
I still read the genre, but there just happens to be more romance thrown into the mix than before. (Carrie Hinkel-Gill 1:19pm October 11, 2009)
Though my tastes have changed , I delight in going back to reread my favorites. Sort of like visiting old friends. (Armenia Fox 1:45pm October 11, 2009)
I would keep the books and read then when I could. I have three bookshelves full of books and when I got some of them they were older and used. But I did finally get around to reading most of them and I was really glad I kept them. I found some really great authors that way. (Mary Kirkland 1:51pm October 11, 2009)
I would read them some of the older books are awesome reads, they are a little different then today but good just the same. You may want to switch for an old to a new and then maybe you could catch up, on both. (Gail Hurt 2:04pm October 11, 2009)
I think you should pick out the ones you think still look good and read them. If your tastes have changed then give them to someone who wants to read them. A good book is a terrible thing to waste. *GRINS* (Crystal Weems 2:24pm October 11, 2009)
I'll read a few chapters of a book & if I'm not terribly fond of it, pass it on. Our town has a huge used book sale that benefits the local food bank. Every Oct. I make a donation to that as well. I have fave authors but am always open to new views. Michigan winters are long & cold & snowy. Takes a lot of books to keep me busy during winter. (Donna Petrilla 3:09pm October 11, 2009)
I have lots of books that I've been meaning to read - sometimes I go through and weed out a few that I don't think I'm interested in any longer, but most I will still read at some point. Especially a great author's back list - if I enjoy them now, I've found I'll enjoy their earlier work too. (Barbara Elness 3:12pm October 11, 2009)
There are really just to many choices when it comes to books. I tend to read a new one and then go back to an author I enjoy. This way I'll get to enjoy them all, eventually! Like you I find that time is just slipping away.. (Elizabeth Parzino 3:33pm October 11, 2009)
Like most avid readers I have a large TBR pile some of the books are aging just like me!! I do go through my keeper books from time to time to weed out ones I've decided I won't re-read and for those I haven't read yet, I don't think it matters how old they are. Lately I've been on a buying spree as so many books I want are coming out now and I have had a little extra money to spend on them. My tastes have evolved, expanded and changed over the years. I will read until I can't! :-)
Good subject as always Sandi.
Take care, Donna M (Donna McClure 4:01pm October 11, 2009)
I reread old favorites when the mood strikes me but I do have a huge TBR pile too. So it really depends on the mood I'm in. I'll probably never get totally caught up since I have new authors and books that I want come out every month but I do still like to reread my old favs too. (Beatrice Chan 4:12pm October 11, 2009)
I would go with what your heart is telling you. If you feel like you need to go back and read books you did not get a chance to read when you were younger, than my all means do it. If you would rather read newer books that is fine to. I read books from my chldhood from time to time. (Michelle Sauer 4:19pm October 11, 2009)
Read the older ones! Maybe not all at once, you can't ignore the newer books, either. Have fun, Patsy H. (Patsy Hagen 4:37pm October 11, 2009)
Do what you feel like doing at the time Sandi, I try to mix it up a bit. A new one, an old one or whatever looks good at the time. Although reading all these reviews sometimes I find myself trying a lot new stuff too. (Joy Hoormann 4:38pm October 11, 2009)
Time sure does fly by. I can't believe my children are all in their 40's and I am great grandma 5 times already. I have to admit I do not feel my age nor do I act it. ha ha Last week my daughter stopped in and asked what I was reading..she was shock to see a sexy book by my chair. I reminded her I wasn't dead yet..just retired. ha ha I had to add my comment here as I love this group of people and of course the nice prize would really make me happy. I love and cherish my books. I want to say thank you for all who makes this possible too. susan L. (Susan Leech 5:07pm October 11, 2009)
I have a system that's working for me concerning my books. I have two cloth bags one is new books and the other is older issue of back list books. I read one or two new ones than get one or two older ones out and read them. This way I sorta keep up to date on current reads as well as read back list books and get them read. I had to put some aside when I worked 40 hours but by now I can read more each week. susan L. (Susan Leech 5:12pm October 11, 2009)
I'm certainly still reading books I bought more than 30 years ago. If I find that I am no longer interested in the stories or type of writing, I'd just give them away. However, so far that hasn't happened and there are other books from back then that I'c still like to get. I found my comfort zone many years ago and vampire, erotic, grisly murders and most paranormal are not among them. I've found some new compatible authors, but on the whole, I'm very satisfied with the same books I enjoyed before. (Sigrun Schulz 5:29pm October 11, 2009)
I am a avid reader. Since I am confined mostly to my home I read. I have always read. I would love to win these books since I am on a budget.Thanks for the entry. (Yvonne Butler 6:42pm October 11, 2009)
I reread all my favorites but I'm always adding to my TBR pile. Even after purging a lot of my old books I still have a huge TBR pile, not including some on my Kindle. Sigh.... (Summer Sharp 6:48pm October 11, 2009)
The first book I remember receiving was "Heidi" when I was pretty small and it was a Christmas present from friends of my parents. I read and re-read that book many times. Then I moved on to the library at my elementary school where I read every biography they had (do you remember those books with the hideous orange covers). Then it was on to "Little Women" and the like. In college, I read "Pride and Prejudice" just for fun and it remains my favorite book to this day (oh, that Mr. Darcy). I moved on to Victoria Holt and read most of her books and other gothic romances. Finally, in the early 80's, I discovered romance reading and have never looked back since! I was so happy that this month's challenge was Superromance because I have four books from that line from 1983 that I had re-read several times. This month I read them again for the first time in many years and they affected me in the same way they did 28 years ago. Those four books shall remain in my "keeper" pile until they fall apart. My TBR pile is full of new authors that I have discovered since that time and some of those books have found their way to my "keeper" pile after I've read them. There is nothing wrong with keeping favorite books! (Trudy Miner 6:54pm October 11, 2009)
I would go through the TBR books & weed out those that I no longer felt COMPELLED to read. Having said that my list continues to grow & I love the fact that I will always, ALWAYS have books to read. (Mary Preston 7:06pm October 11, 2009)
I would start reading the older ones and if I couldn't get in to any of the books I would get read of it. I have a huge TBR pile but I need to be in a mood to read. Sometimes I won't read what I already have but will read a new. (Sherry Strode 7:26pm October 11, 2009)
Great question! I'd say yes, go back and read these books again. Many of them will take on new meanings just because of the fact that you're in a different stage in your life. I may have to give this a try myself. (Marsha Saenz-Jones 8:32pm October 11, 2009)
There are some writers that I have searched for and paid big bucks for their back list books. Then I take the time to read them in order. Jo Beverley wrote some fine books in the early 90's and reading those got me to reread all her Malloren books again. It was a terrific reading experience. Most writers' books from much earlier don't stand up to the later ones. There are a lot of fine writers out their now. I'm glad I'm retired! I can read for eight hours a day. :-) (Elaine Carlini-Davis 8:39pm October 11, 2009)
I would read the books if I could. Unfortunately I'm allergic to dust so can only read new books or books on tape. If I could read old books I would save some of my favorites to read again,I know my sister does! (Brenda Rupp 8:58pm October 11, 2009)
I read both old and new books. I'm behind on many older books, and like to reread books I read as a teen. I just grab a book from my TBR stack and read, read, read! (Sandra Greathouse 10:03pm October 11, 2009)
Sandi, I have shelves and shelves of older books that I like to go back to for comfort reading. At the same time, my TBR stacks (and stacks) are an interesting mix of faves and new to me authors. If only I had more time!
As for getting older, let's just not talk about it, ok? lol You're only as old as you feel. (Laurie Damron 10:27pm October 11, 2009)
I have no answer since I haven't learned to manage my TBR pile. It's growing faster than I'm reading. I probably should stop re-reading old favorites. (Sue Ahn 10:50pm October 11, 2009)
Like everyone else, I say read them! Lord knows, by the time I get to some of mine, they will probably be more than 20 years road (especially since some have already hit the 10 year point). And I don't see me retiring any time soon, so I can catch up. I just figure, when I'm older, and probably on a definite fixed income, I won't have to worry about buying any!
Oooohhhh, the kids get older but I don't? Man, where can I buy that ticket? (Amanda Reeder-erdly 11:17pm October 11, 2009)
I would love to read these books. Please enter me in the contest. (Freda Mans-Labianca 12:48pm October 12, 2009)
My past time is Reading and I have a very large TBR pile. (Jackie Jones 6:50am October 12, 2009)
ahh time and the TBR...that is a question worth pondering. Recently I have tended to try and keep up with new releases, but if I find a new author that I love I can't help myself but seek out as many of their backlist as I can find and read them right away.
Like others my TBR is out of control, but somehow I can't even think about getting rid of them in hopes that someday I will find the time to read them. (Carrie Divine 7:46am October 12, 2009)
Boy, does this post hit a nerve. I'm going to turn sixty very shortly and I'm not quite certain where the years have gone. When our daughter turned thirty-five last summer, I called and told her she couldn't BE thirty-five because I'd already claimed it. It didn't work...as far as the TBR pile vs. the old favorites--I doubt I'll ever catch up on the TBR stack, but I still love to pull out the old books I've read so many times the covers are falling off. I think of them as my comfort reads, and they're especially nice to pull out when my own writing stalls. I say read those old stories when you need to relax with something wonderful--you held on to those books for a reason, because they touched you at some point in your life. You might discover a link to a part of yourself you've not thought of in years when you open those pages again.
Happy reading! (Kate Douglas 11:54am October 12, 2009)
Read them, touch them and savor the memories. Like music and aromas, a good book always takes me back to where I was at that time and all the innocent & wonderful emotions the book made me feel (Maria Dominguez 12:17pm October 12, 2009)
Lately I feel time is really flying. (I just found out I am going through early menopause - I'm 42 -talk about time flying!) As far as reading - I love to go back and read the old books and then add a new one in every once in a while. It depends on my mood. (Which lately is like a roller coaster!) (Josie Roetemeyer 3:03pm October 12, 2009)
Sandi, once again you wrote a beautiful blog, which I always enjoy reading. Like you, I constantly am asking myself lately, where did the time go? I am 63 already and sometimes sit down and wonder -- how can that be? When my children talk about their kids, I can remember my own at that age and the things I did for them. Sometimes you just wish you can turn the clock back! As for books, I started out reading Danielle Steel myself in 1979! At first, I would only read her and then someone introduced me to Debbie Macomber and from there, joining reading groups, I have come to know many others. I too find myself with older books, especially if I like the author. I have even ordered used books written years back. Try reading the older books and see if you enjoy them right from the beginning. If not, put it down and try another. I try and switch from new ones to not so new to older ones, and even switch genres too, not to get bored. It doesn't matter how long ago the books were written as long as you are enjoying them. I have books by Louisa May Alcott which I swear I am going to read someday, somehow! (Peg Fragale 3:29pm October 12, 2009)
lol I do all of the above. I have tons of books in my tbr pile but that never stops me from buying new books too. I try to vary it up and take turns - oh and then there's the borrowed books from friends or books I've been lucky enough to win. And I also enjoy a variety of genres so I switch that up too. I do wish I could live long enough to read them all but that is an impossibility lol. (Jeanne Sheats 5:03pm October 12, 2009)
I thought that reading Romances was just a phase that I went through when I was a teenager and so when I was home a couple of years ago, I went through all of my romance novels and much to my regret now, I gave them away. They did go to a good home, but I wish I had them now to go back and take a look at - I had Barbara Cartland and Mills and Boon as well as others. Would I turn back the clock - in some ways yes, but in some ways no - I like where I am at the moment, who I am and how I got to this place and I love the new books I have discovered and the various authors I now read. (Sabine Honig 8:13pm October 12, 2009)
I devore all kinds of different genres. Though my reading taste buds change from time to time I still go back to the oldies but goodies! (Lisa Glidewell 9:30pm October 12, 2009)
I think you should read them too. I like many of the old books I love reading them all. Penney (Penney Wilfort 9:45pm October 12, 2009)
I want to read everything. When I find an author I like, I get all their books and try to start at the beggining of their works. I currently have boxes of books by authors (new and old friends) that I want to read. I know there are a lot of good writers out there I haven't found yet. I'll keep sampling all the authors and genres I can and know I'll find ones I like. (Patricia Barraclough 10:21pm October 12, 2009)
Ohh I certainly think reading the older titles is a must. I still adore many.
As for aging, OMG if you find a way to slow things down please let me know. But for me I want to slow my kids down. I swear it's like they grow years with each day.
Now you'll have me thinking about this all day. What a great post!. hugs, WendyK (Wilma Keel 12:00pm October 13, 2009)
Maybe there are some books that no longer match what you enjoy reading now. I know my tastes have changed over the years just like you mentioned. If it doesn't sound like anything you really want to read then donate it to someone who might enjoy it. If they ALL sound too good to pass up then set a goal each month to read a certain number of books from the "old" stack! Because you sure don't want to miss any new ones coming out!! I plan on having a book in my hand when I die! lol But I also worry about my eyesight failing as it can do when we get older. Guess I will have to learn to enjoy just listening to a book. But I would miss the feel of holding one in my hands. Thanks for another great discussion, Sandi! (Carol Norton 1:07pm October 13, 2009)
I think we are all wondering where the time went. I look in the mirror and don't see me any more! I'm a different person inside and out. (Brenda Rupp 2:04am October 14, 2009)
I wonder all the time looking at my kids where did the time go! It seems to pass by so fast. I am already 30 and I can't believe it! I miss my kids being younger already! Thanks for letting me enter your contest! (Jeanette Huston 1:57pm October 14, 2009)
Time.....as it speeds by. Sometimes I just want to sit and capture the fabulous moments...over a cup of tea and a good book. (Barbara Ryan 12:32pm October 15, 2009)
Time speeds by.Sure re-read are great.I have books older than my kids...lol I sometimes grab a old read and walk down memory lane but all at one point had the claim of New Author.Life is about changes and time has changed me in many ways(need new mirror)(the old one has a weird old woman looking back at me).I say old and new one thing remains the same.We all love romance!!!By the way Today is the Yesterday we worried about Tomorrow. (Debra McDonald 1:11am October 15, 2009)
I thik you should definitely read them. It shouldn't matter how old they are because if it's an Author you enjoy , then that is all that should natter. :)Loved your post. Carol L. [email protected] (Carol Luciano 8:28am October 16, 2009)
I am so happy to have discovered Fresh Fiction! I have been introduced to so many wonderful authors! Many of whom have become favorites (Stefanie Finn 8:11am October 17, 2009)
Now that the temperature outside is getting colder - how perfect to grab a cup of tea and a good book! Please enter me in this contest.
I would so take all the time in the world to read the books regardless of how old they were. A good book is timeless! I don't know if I would want to age my children. I used to want to fast forward time to see how my children would look like and be like. Now I just want them to be little once again. (Val Pearson 7:46pm October 24, 2009)
I started reading at a very young age and would rather lay around picturing myself in another world than to go outside and play and was caught quite a few times with a flash light undeer the covers after lights out! I always have a book out in lines at the post office, doctors waiting rooms, etc. (Brenda Rupp 7:25pm November 10, 2009)
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