Finding solace in books

[rainbowunicorn_reads]

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A few years ago, I saw the book "FOUND" (The best lost, tossed and forgotten items from around the world) at Booksale. At that time, I had no money to buy it, so I left it there. When I did have the budget, it wasn't there anymore, much to my dismay. This is why I grab onto books like lifesavers when I find some nifty reads for a reasonable price at Booksale. I always fear I won't see them again, like the "Middlesex" book by Eugenides that I also saw at the same branch, or the "Ghost World screenplay" I also couldn't buy.

A few years ago, books were my closest friends.

Those years are etched in my memory, lovingly; bittersweetly recalled, with a few stinging tears for good measure.

You'd know about those years if you listened to my stories. I'm not proud of them, but I'm not ashamed either. Past pains and joys made me what I am today, and I have my constant love affair with books to bear my gratitude.

This year has been a good year for books and discoveries. I think I might have gone a bit overboard with my Booksale fetish, as I can't claim my day is complete without a Booksale visit. It has come to the point that I know the sexlife of the ates and what their shifts are, and also the precise location of certain books in the span of a week.

Today, I was reunited by the book goddesses and the Universe with the lost "FOUND" book. It was staring me in the face, together with Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" which I will promptly give to my cooking mother. Since I started earning money, I can't remember when I didn't give my folks and my brother books for one occasion or the other. Our love for books runs in the blood, which I am entirely loving the Universe for. But that's another story.

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"Stories for Free Children" was bought by my mother at some 2 for Php99 splurge. The stories inside are from Ms. magazine, which I grew up reading, since they were lying around the house, plus they had this section promptly named such. My mom cut out the stories and placed them inside a folder, which I considered my happy folder. The stories had wondrous feminist morals, like the first story about a child who is neither a boy nor a girl. The child was "X", and what followed was a joyous romp on how societal expectations and labels stunt full child development and hinder one's potential. One day, when I'm not too lazy, I'd type it down here and share the love.

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Years and years ago, I could remember loving this kiddie book entitled "Princess Pearl", which was about two sisters who fought and fought for one friend's attention, only to discover that they had more fun with each other. The illustrations were ink and pencil, I think. Done in pretty pastel hues, with accompanying quirky expressions. I marvelled at it each time, noticing little details and surprises in the pictures. I hope I could find it soon.
This is a hint, Universe, and Booksale goddesses. :)

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What book have you loved as a child? Something you never forgot?