“There is no Frigate like a Book
To take us Lands away
Nor any Coursers like a Page
Of prancing Poetry –
This Traverse may the poorest take
Without oppress of Toll –
How frugal is the Chariot
That bears the Human Soul –“

Emily Dickinson

“There is no Frigate like a book” – Emily’s lovely image sprang to mind today as I thought back to a weekend book chat I had with a young fellow book enthusiast – one of my favorite pastimes. It was summer’s eve and we were sitting outside at a pleasant cafe talking about books—what a pleasure!

Our conversation turned to children’s stories and The Secret Garden quickly emerged as a shared favorite. In an instant, we had found common ground and could spend time there together. We went on to discuss our own book projects and how they were progressing and to encourage each other.

Books are magical, aren’t they?

Not only does reading take us “Lands away” on personal voyages of discovery, but talking about books with other book lovers does the same thing and we have the added enjoyment of sharing our journey with a fellow traveler. A shared delight can be twice as nice.

In these days of digital distraction, it seems more important than ever to savor stories, doesn’t it? And sharing our enjoyment through spirited conversation reminds us that the pleasures of the page are like the far-reaching ripples of a pond – they extend far beyond time and place.

So let’s treasure the moments when books carry us “Lands away” from our daily lives and rounds – and share them with each other. And let’s remember what a gift the books and stories we create are to the world. Write on!