The Idea of an Essay, Volume 3

Narrative & Memoir 67 boys; Beverly Cleary’s narratives of a gangly, hilarious girl named Ramona; the American Girl books; the Prydain Chronicles. Such potential lay in these unopened books which I observed! Anticipating the worlds of wonder within these closed pages, I continue gazing at the rows of books. I am alone in my own little world, a different person with a different life. I am a daring spy in a foreign land, overhearing enemy plans. I am a queen, wearing a gown of light blue silk whose skirt flows in ripples to the floor and a silver tiara, set amidst my brown tresses piled high on my head. I am a scared, lonely, orphan girl without a friend in the world. So many possibilities, but I cannot explore them now. I have had a deep passion for books ever since I can remember. The power of words has always had a firm grip on my mind. Words have the ability to whisk me away to another world. I love being able to “lose myself” in a book. I am completely oblivious to the world around me as I become enthralled by the lives of the characters in the book. I am irretrievably tied to their emotions. When they are distraught, I am sad. When they are in danger, I am on the edge of my seat. When they are victorious, I am joyful. My favorite books are the ones I can hardly put down, such as TheWingfeather Saga,The Binding of the Blade, and Ella Enchanted. These are books that consume my thoughts and imagination until I have read every last word. Then comes that instant pang of remorse that the story is over—how I wish it was not! Often I will continue the story in my mind, imagining what happened next to the characters, or running scenes over and over in my head. Numerous times, I reread my favorite portions of the book before reluctantly returning it to the shelf. With finishing a book, however, comes the exciting task of choosing a new one. I eagerly consider my options, agonizing over the decision. Which story will enchant me next? Should I choose the page-turning thriller that sends chills up and down my spine? Or the fantasy saga, complete with mythological creatures and romance? The mystery, rich in suspense and drama? Once the decision is finally made, I am happy and able to anticipate the beginning of a new literary adventure. The rest of the books will wait for next time. I have rarely, perhaps three or four times, not finished a book. Whether they were long, boring, dry, or slow, I stubbornly refused