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"We should read to give our souls a chance to luxuriate." - Henry Miller

8/18/2010

 
Today's Wednesday Wildcard segment was inspired by my post yesterday about beach bag accessories and how to dress for less when going to the beach.  In this post one of the items that I included in my beach bag was the book, The Three Weissmanns of Westport by Cathleen Schine, because this is the book that I am currently reading.
 
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While I am thoroughly enjoying this book at the moment, the actual book in this post was not as important as what it represented to me...the importance of bringing a book to the beach, and the luxury of reading with your feet in the sand, as the sound of the waves crashes in your ears.  The simple fact is that I equate going to the beach, relaxing, or unwinding all with reading.  Virginia Woolf once wrote on the power of books, "Books are the mirrors of the soul."  I think Virginia was on to something...if you are feeling down, you are worried, or simply bored, when you pick up a good book it can have the power to bring you into someone else's soul, and completely change your spirit and your point of reference. 

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For example, a book like Eat, Pray, Love, can take you to Italy, India, and Bali, and then through the entire emotional process of losing love, healing, and opening the heart up for love again...all in 400 pages or less!  These kinds of life experiences usually take a great deal of time and money, but you can experience all of this in one weekend when you curl up with a book on your sofa...and it's free.

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So the next time you feel like you NEED to buy something to make yourself feel better, or you are depressed because you don't think that you will ever be able to take that trip to Italy, try and look on the bright side of things.  Think of everything that you DO have in your life that is fulfilling and good, and then think about all the books out there that you have never read.  And if a trip to Italy is what you're craving, but it's not in your budget right now, I suggest going to your local library and picking up Under The Tuscan Sun.  It might not be exactly the same as traveling to Italy, but I promise that you will almost be able to taste the gnocchi, sage, and butter....and it won't cost you a penny.  Now that is Living Luxe for Less!

Do you agree?  Is there any book that you loved reading so much, that it was more rewarding to you than  a new bag or a fancy trip?  I believe that I can think of several...



Ali
8/18/2010 12:50:39 am

There is nothing better than reading on the beach (or by the pool, or in the park, well you get the picture)! I'm currently finishing Stieg Larsson's popular Girl With the Dragon Tattoo trilogy, but some of my favorite beach books that evoke a sense of place include Pat Conroy's Beach Music (both Italy and South Carolina), Judy Blume's Summer Sisters (Martha's Vineyard), and John Burdett's Bangkok 8 (Thailand).

Ali

eddie ross link
8/18/2010 01:51:27 am

We couldn't agree more. Reading is so important & therapeutic. Especially at the beach!

Betsy
8/18/2010 07:03:18 am

GREAT post! Reading can be so relaxing--it's the cheapest form of escapism :) I'm in a book club and love the opportunity to read different books that others suggest--it's a great way to unwind & read something I might not have chosen. (I also frequent my library often since I read a book a month!)

Lalla
8/18/2010 07:04:52 am

Clearly it won't be a shock for you that I love reading and find it so relaxing. It's even better on the beach! I seem to be reading only childrens books lately for school but those can be rewarding too - like the Percy Jackson series about Greek gods. I love the series as much as my 4th graders!

Jessica at Lavender and Lilies link
8/18/2010 09:06:39 am

I loved the Summer We Read Gatsby. Now I read it while on vacation at a spa but it did enhance the experience. :)

Jenn @ LL4L link
8/18/2010 11:04:51 am

Thank you for all the great suggestions everyone! I'm so happy to have a few new books to look forward to reading. Stay tuned for more posts about where to find the best deals on books when you want to buy them, book clubs, and other reading resources.


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