lost in a book

Though I don't profess to be a great or avid reader, I enjoy a good book. Admittedly, growing up my idea of a good book was generally confined to cheesy church novels, and I still, I confess, enjoy the genre immensely.

My siblings and I were raised to be readers and I do believe most, if not all of us, get easily neglectful when we encounter a good book. My sister Karianne read 15 books last summer. I love getting lost in a book. The house turns to ruins, my children are neglected and I can think of nothing else as I turn page after page. Which is why, as much as I love it, I don't read as often as I would like.

The last week or so my addiction has been with The Scarlet Pimpernel, which I really liked. I have never seen the play or musical and did not know the story at all, and in the last 24 hours, the story has consumed my thoughts. This time, I listened to the book on Dave's I-pod, so my housework was not neglected. In fact, when the kids went to bed last night and I picked up the "book" again, I did the dishes, mopped the kitchen floor, and cleaned the front room. Then I picked up it this morning again and scrubbed the bathroom, put away all the laundry, cleaned up the bedrooms, fed Jack twice and put tonight's dinner in the crockpot, all the while completely engrossed in the story while Ana watched PBS. I finished at about 12:30 this afternoon.

It was a great book, and I really liked the convenience of listening to it on the I-pod. Although, when it was over, I missed the satisfaction of closing the completed book and tossing it aside, as is my habit when I finish a book I like. I usually keep it close by, and peruse my favorite parts again a few times. I can't quite do that this time.

But, at least, my housework wasn't neglected. I'd recommend the book.