Gary Paulsen
As the new year arrives and we ponder what it may hold, and how things shall be, it is lovely to start the with the idea of books as friends. And books and friends.
Two of my favourite things and things that I hope will both play large parts in my 2026.
When I think about books and how they have accompanied me through life thus far; how often I turn to them for companionship and for passing time; there is definitely a through line that connects them with friendships.
Books offer me a lot of the qualities that my friends do - a chance to sit and think, to smile, to sometimes laugh out loud; to feel connected and to enjoy time together. They also go well with a coffee catch up! With friends I often chat about books, we recommend and share them between us and we purchase them for each other for gifts. I often say you are never alone with a book. And you are never alone with a friend.
Books and friends and books as friends go hand in hand.
We have spent time in the recent days printing and writing our 2026 cards. This year mine are full of feminist purple and multiple varied 2026s in wood type. As they head out into the world I wish for a year of hope; of peace; and of kindness. A gentler year in which we find our way back to our best selves and in which we create and make and continue to share.
Thank you all for the time you spend here - I look forward to another year of connecting in blog-land. Go well.a