I’ve always enjoyed reading. Earlier, I would devour books just to get to the end. Lately, however, I find myself interested in books that are well written, and prefer to spend time reading just a little everyday so that I can enjoy the story as well as the prose.

When I come to the end of a book, though, it’s always a bittersweet feeling. I close the book gently and sit quietly for a while, before putting it away. Some books have a happy ending and I sit there smiling. Some make me laugh as the book ends on a humorous note. Others make me thoughtful. A few make me emotional.

When I finish reading a book I have enjoyed, I feel as though I will never enjoy another book this much ever again! It’s like saying goodbye to a dear friend who is moving away. You know they must leave, but you feel as though life will never be the same again! How can I say goodbye to the characters I have come to know and love, the stories of adventure and romance, and all the fictional places I have visited in my imagination!

Throughout the day, I find myself going back to what I read; pondering upon some wisdom I gleaned from the book, remembering anecdotal excerpts, or jokes, and chuckling to myself.

However, as time goes by, the book gradually begins to fade from my mind.

And then I know I’m ready to move on.

And I find myself thinking, “Hmm, what book should I pick up next?!”