“A book, too, can be a star, a living fire to lighten the darkness, leading out into the expanding universe.”
Madeleine L’Engle
Oh I loved this the minute I read it! I love the notion of the book as a guiding star, a light, a lantern…all of that imagery that suggests that books can enlighten. Some, I know, may think of books and burning in another way… but I guess that too lightens the night!
It seems to me that books can and do hold so much that can encourage us to see another way, to learn something that changes us, to discover a new path in life…
Perhaps the internet could be described in the same way, but it certainly doesn't resonate with me as much. There is something about the book as container - holding information in a contained space. The internet is more limitless in a way, porous and without boundaries. Books hold it all together without setting you off down a myriad of rabbit holes and distractions.
I like the idea inherent in this, that a book and what it offers doesn't fizzle out; it is a sustained light that offers hope and guides you out of darkness; not a quick firecracker burst that suggests it might help but is gone too quickly to be of any use. You can go back to a book, re-read it, and even years down the track it can still hold something of use to you.
I could wander and ramble all over the place I expect with this one, so shall just stop and be happy that books have lit many a path and discovery for me.
Madeleine L’Engle
Oh I loved this the minute I read it! I love the notion of the book as a guiding star, a light, a lantern…all of that imagery that suggests that books can enlighten. Some, I know, may think of books and burning in another way… but I guess that too lightens the night!
It seems to me that books can and do hold so much that can encourage us to see another way, to learn something that changes us, to discover a new path in life…
Perhaps the internet could be described in the same way, but it certainly doesn't resonate with me as much. There is something about the book as container - holding information in a contained space. The internet is more limitless in a way, porous and without boundaries. Books hold it all together without setting you off down a myriad of rabbit holes and distractions.
I like the idea inherent in this, that a book and what it offers doesn't fizzle out; it is a sustained light that offers hope and guides you out of darkness; not a quick firecracker burst that suggests it might help but is gone too quickly to be of any use. You can go back to a book, re-read it, and even years down the track it can still hold something of use to you.
I could wander and ramble all over the place I expect with this one, so shall just stop and be happy that books have lit many a path and discovery for me.
yes. there is something, too, about the holding of books, the haptics of books, that lights me up.
ReplyDeleteYep, they light em up too Velma!
DeleteIt's a beautiful quote. Your post really sizzles with that wonder! I love it.
ReplyDeleteThe imagery of stars and lights is great isn't it Annie - and the photo definitely adds to the sizzle factor. Go well.
DeleteI agree with Velma, being able to actually touch a book, feel it and even smell it is wonderful. It's not part of a virtual world, not a 'ghost' of an object but part of reality. Real tangible magic.
ReplyDeleteOh Ersi I love it - real, tangible magic! The act of holding a book, turning its pages, absorbing it in so many tactile ways is pure magic.
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