Recently, I have been spending time with my books — sorting through my collection, donating some that I no longer feel the need to keep, and making room for new stories and discoveries. Though they are hard to part with, there is something meaningful about passing along books that have been part of our lives so someone else can enjoy them and create their own memories.
During this process, I have also been spending time visiting one of my favorite bookstores. My mom has been reading more than I have these days, and it has been wonderful to see her rediscover the simple joy of getting lost in a book. Mom is a fan of Beverly Lewis so I found myself picking out Beverly Lewis novels for mom, knowing how much she would enjoy them. I often feel the most thoughtful gifts are the ones that invite someone to slow down, relax, and spend time in another world.
While going through my books, I was reminded of something I shared back in 2020 — a review I had written about Greg Hickey’s book Parabellum and I had failed to mention that in May I entered one of Greg’s contests and was thrilled to find out that I had won a bookmark.
Of course, I chose the one featuring the cover of Parabellum. It seemed like the perfect choice — a small keepsake that brought me back to a book that had stayed with me and a wonderful connection to the review I shared years ago.
If you are searching for a slim aluminum bookmark, you may want to check out Greg Hickey’s selection. The bookmarks slide easily between pages, and the U-shaped slot at the top helps the page stay in place.
Books have a wonderful way of finding their place in our lives. Some remain treasured on library shelves, some are passed along to new readers, and some become gifts that bring happiness to the people we love. Whether it is discovering a new story, sharing an old favorite, or simply watching someone else enjoy a book, those moments are what make reading so special.