When I originally decided to join a variety of Blogging 4 Books programs, to be quite honest, I did so to get free books. That was my main motivation. Nothing more, nothing less.
At the beginning…
I wasn’t even sure if I would like the books that were offered because I found it a little hard to evaluate the books being offered based on nothing more than an excerpt and a photo of the book.
For me personally, I am one of those book-loving-people that cherish the ability to hold the book in my hand, thumb through it, read the jacket, and breathe in the ‘new book smell’. That is all part of my ritual, if you will, when I go searching for a book. The only time I don’t engage in this ritual is when I am purchasing books by authors I know intimately (through their writing) and adore.
So again, for me, my goal was quite simple. I would read as many books as I could get my hands on while working toward my dream to own over 1,000 books. If I had to write a review, that was fine by me! 
Imagine my surprise when I discovered that these free books being offered to me through NavPress, Booksneeze, Tyndale Publishing, and Bethany House Publishing provided me a tangible benefit that I desperately needed.
One day I am reading to get free books and the next day I am reading in order to connect to a familiar ritual, a place of solace and comfort, that has been an intricate part of my life, all my life.
These books started providing me the means to escape the many emotions I am confronted with on a daily basis, for a few hours. In addition, they provided me with joy, laughter, motivation, inspiration, an outlet to shed tears, and so much more!
Perhaps even more importantly, these books create a setting for me that is relatable and familiar, thus, comforting and connecting. In the moments I am buried deep within the lines of one of these books, I am safe and sound from any further assault. I can breathe deeply and share the journey with the characters in the story.
What I thought was going to be just a way for me to attain more books – without the expense – turned out to be a means to provide me with a place I could go and obtain ‘normalcy’ at a time that when my life is anything but.
As I stated above, these stories have provided me a vehicle to cry, laugh, become re-inspired, re-energized, and re-motivated, as well as, offering me a safe place to walk through the many emotions I have to process as the result of the loss of all my possessions and my home. In addition, they also helped me to hold onto my faith, while remaining strong and steadfast.
Interestingly, I realized that these free books have become a bridge from my past to my future. They are helping me to walk this journey out by taking something comfortable and familiar – books – and moving me forward through emotions, situations, and determination. Who would have ever thought that books would be a tangible connection that would enable me to continue moving forward?
So every time I receive my new books and finish reading and reviewing them, I then walk across my temporary bedroom and add the newest one to the growing stack on the dresser, while declaring that I am only 964 books away from regaining my lost library of beloved books … and of exceeding it!
Determined to continue forward,
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I love reading about your relationship with books. I so agree, there is something totally magical about escaping into a book. And that’s interesting what you say about feeling safe. I’ve been needing that feeling too this week! I was always a bookworm but I do find reading really hard now with the M.E. and have to stick to ‘easy’ reads. I find writing gives me that safe feeling too. And I find writing loads easier than reading, so maybe that is my haven for now.
Good luck on getting the next 964 books!
Sofa Karen´s last [type] ..Thinking can be bad for your health!
Sofa Karen – Thank you!
Dominique –
I’m so glad you’re enjoying your books so much! As you know, I write book reviews, too. I was crushed this past January when I realized I could no longer keep up with my book blog. I was just too overwhelmed and had to focus my limited energy on paid writing work. I do still occasionally post a review to that blog, though, and I still keep up my reviews of kids’ and teens’ books (I get paid for some of that).
Anyway, I’m rambling…just wanted to say I’m glad you’ve rediscovered the joys of book and newly discovered the joys of writing reviews!
Sue
Sue –
It warmed my heart to know that you are finding such comfort from books.
I know you still have many emotions that will come and go throughout your
days for quite sometime – but I see that the rituals you have around books
and the joy reading and reviewing them brings you is a real good start
back to a feeling of normalacy. For two days I could not navigate to any
web pages! I kept getting the same message” a connection cannot be made.”
Exasperating! But today here I am. I’m finding sometimes the problems
just go away without me having to contact tech services.
I love to read also but due to frequent sleep deprivation I find it more
difficult. It is mentally fatiguing, but I’m missing reading and your
post made me remember how much I use to love reading.
Lucy got her stitches out today and teeth checked. Even though she is
9 l/2 months old there is very little tartar and her gums are not
inflamed – which means I can start tooth brushing. I have supplies coming
soon in the mail. I learned it is really important for small breeds. She
has a very gentle mouth and lets me put my fingers in her mouth so
I think this dog will let me do it. I can feel some of my sadness is leaving
but I think of Sammy every day. It has helped me a lot to be able to talk
about it with you as part of my grieving process.
Wow you want to own 1,000 books! You are on your way.
It felt so good to hear you are doing better emotionally. I know it will
be and up and down process for quite some time, but you are traveling
on the road of healing and I hope and pray there will be no stop signs
or roadblocks. I care and continue to pray for the close coming of the
wedding and praying for the apt you think now is the right one.
Patricia – I’m so glad Lucy is doing! How much fun is a new puppy, huh! And a lot of work!