I’ve been re-reading some favorite books lately. One I found had numerous “sticky notes”, underlines and bookmarks. Three people have read the book over the last few years, and each of us left our mark. I  am guilty of the sticky notes, my husband likes to underline, and the two left over bookmarks were contributed by my son. Re-reading the book was almost like a mini archeological dig, a window into a segment of family history.

The James' Family Archeological Dig

When my son was very young, he had a favorite story, a paperback entitled A Tiger Called Thomas.  My husband would sit on the couch, arm around his son, and read the story. Because adults can become easily bored, my husband would change some of the words in the story. My son’s elbow would come out, prodding my husband in the ribs and he would proclaim “Don’t jiggle!”

I think about these two events when I contemplate the wisdom of purchasing an e-reader. I tell myself an e-reader would be practical.  I don’t have a lot of shelf space for new books. Then I think  about the importance of having physical books, not just temporary virtual books. Besides, if I didn’t purchase so many books, I wouldn’t have dozens of paperback mysteries to donate to the local library for its annual fund-raiser. Besides, every family needs at least one book-style archeological dig, and a favorite story to tell about your son learning to love reading.