Wednesday, January 2, 2019

My suitcase is heavy because I pack books

My suitcase is heavy because I pack books
It's true. 

My suitcase is heavy because I packed a whole lot of books--possibly more books than clothes--for most trips. I'd rather pack books than clothes. I'd rather pack books than my toothbrush. 

For the record, I do bring clothes and a toothbrush! I'm not that silly...

But, aside from my son, my family, and my dogs and cat, books are my one true love. They always have been. I can't imagine a life without books or without reading. 

So, I bring books--actual books, not a Kindle or Nook or Fire or other tablet or e-reader--when I travel.

I like the weight of them.

I like the smell of them.
I like the sensation--the feel, the sound, the visual--of turning the pages.
I like it all.

And, frankly, even with advances in technology and improved reading surfaces, I still find it hard to read on an e-reader or tablet. My eyes get tired and I get bored. I find it harder to really enjoy e-readers in any way.

Does that mean I never use a device to read? No. In fact, I have Kindle on my phone and use Amazon Reading via Amazon Prime as well when an actual book is inconvenient or not allowed (like at work!).


So, as I sit here typing this from Buenos Aires, Argentina where I am currently traveling, I am also within arms reach of the 14 books I brought with me--you read that right! 14 books! I filled literally half of a suitcase just with books for this trip. And, I made sure to leave space to bring home any books I might purchase. Buenos Aires has some incredible book stores!

At the moment, I am actively reading all fourteen books that I brought with me, as well as a couple via Kindle.


I have never regretted traveling with books, even when it means my suitcase is unbearably heavy, off balance, or slowing me down.

My grandmother taught me the joy of reading early, along with my mom, and both encouraged me to read (almost) whenever the urge struck. I am so grateful for their influence!

Although I have started reading all of the books I brought with me, I am furthest along in:

I'm enjoying all three thoroughly and was most surprised by The Girl Who Takes an Eye for an Eye! I loved the first three books in the Lisbeth Salander series by Steig Larsson that I put off reading the first book by Langercrantz after Larsson passed away. I was afraid it wouldn't be the same--and I was right. There were too many inconsistencies and the story just didn't carry itself in the same way--you can read my review HERE. I then put off reading an Eye for an Eye because I didn't want to be disappointed again, but at the same time, I love the character of Lisbeth so much that I was curious and finally gave in and bought it an airport shop a few months ago. It languished on my shelf until a week ago when a friend saw it and commented on it. I started reading it, and it still isn't the same as the original three books, but it's a lot closer than Langercrantz's first attempt at the Lisbeth Salander story.

How about you? Do you take actual books with you when you travel or are you a fan of e-readers instead? Post a comment below!

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Purchases made through these links are at no additional cost to you,
but may result in a small commission for me,
for which I am incredibly grateful. Thank you!



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