You may be relieved to hear that we’re not doing a sappy Valentine’s Day post today.  You know the type. Sparkly and swirly and romance-y and heart-y. Love birds and turtle doves and enough saccahrine to induce sugar diabetes. The ‘Ole Curmudgeon nixed that idea.

Thank you, ‘Ole Curmudgeon.

On this Valentine’s Day we’re all about book love.  We’re focusing on why we love reading and giving you some examples of same. Like, books we really, really love.

Here are 10 Reasons We Love Reading (what would you add?):

1. We get to visit all kinds of Really Cool Places and time frames. In our heads.  Without coughing up a single penny for gasoline or airfare. Examples: A Tale of Two Cities. Doctor Zhivago. The Little Prince.

2. We meet some Really Cool Peeps. Characters that are relatable, endearing, surprising or intriguing and leave a lasting impression. Examples: Ferdinand the Bull. Curious George. Elizabeth Bennett. Edmond Dantes. Frodo. Reepicheep. The Boys in the Boat.

3. Reading expands our horizons. Ignites our imagination. Inspires. Challenges. Educates. Motivates. Examples: The Joy Luck Club. Lords of the Earth. In the Shadow of the Almighty. Masters of the Air. Ghost Soldiers.

4. We get to dive into some Really Cool Storylines. A compelling plot that captures the imagination and keeps us engaged is a special kind of fun. These stories often have universal themes like adventure, friendship, and courage. Often all of the above. And more. Examples: Call It Courage. A Christmas Carol. Black Beauty. Robinson Crusoe. The Velveteen Rabbit.

4. Reading offers emotional resilience. Reading often touches on deep emotions and experiences that resonate with readers of all ages – curmudgeons included! They address fundamental human concerns like love, fear, hope, and the need for acceptance. Examples: Fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen. Aesop’s Fables. The Hunchback of Notre Dame. The Elephant Man. Les Miserables.

5. We get to discover and enjoy beautiful language. The use of rich, evocative language can make the reading experience more enjoyable and memorable. This includes both the narrative style and dialogue. Examples: Inkheart. A River Runs Through It. Spencer’s Mountain. Anything by Max Lucado. Charles Swindoll. Jan Karon. Richard Paul Evans. Brock and Bodie Thoene.

6. We get to meet new people. Explore different cultures, continents, concepts and cuisines. Examples: Born Free: Lioness of Two Worlds. James Clavell’s Asian saga series. The Good Earth. Out of Africa. Travels With Charley. My Antonia. The Old Man and the Sea. A Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich.

7. Good memories. Ever meet a book that made you smile when you re-visited it again? It’s like a hug from a long-lost friend. Examples: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Where the Wild Things Are. Goodnight Moon. Little House on the Prairie series. Anything by H.A. Rey, Virginia Lee Burton, or Margaret Wise Brown.

7. Sometimes reading changes everything. A book is so powerful or poignant or both, it can change your life. Example: The Bible.

8. We love discovering new and different takes on classic themes. These can include the triumph of good over evil, the importance of family and friends, and the journey of self-discovery. Examples: The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Swiss Family Robinson. Pretty much anything by E.B. White.

9. We love reading books with layers of meaning that can be appreciated differently at various stages of life. This kind of book can be enjoyed multiple times. Each reading offers new insights. Examples: The Chronicles of Narnia. Peter Pan. Gulliver’s Travels. Alice in Wonderland.

10. Reading is magical. It opens a door into other worlds. Transports into different realms. Provides opportunities galore for adventure and exploration. Offers ringside seats at historic events. Much more. Besides. It’s fun! See items 1 – 9 above. You’re welcome.

What would you add?