Books Were There to Protect Me

No matter how many times I got lost in life, books were there to protect me.

Through my childhood years when my parents abruptly parted ways. Through my overly dramatic teen years when the world seemed against me. Through my self-destructive young adult years when I was trying to find my way.

More than anything I associate books with my beautiful mom, who I will always imagine with her nose happily stuck in one—exuding warmth, comfort, and love.

When my lovely friend Letizia at Reading Interrupted asked me to share a special reading memory with her, I felt privileged to write at her beautiful blog. I follow it religiously and it never fails to inspire me.

Any bookish memory I reached for, there was my mom.

As most of you know, my mom has been on my mind a lot this year after battling her second stint with breast cancer. And when I was by her side to find out the test results, a magical memory helped me get through it all.

Read “A Castle Filled with Stories” over at Reading Interrupted…

14 thoughts on “Books Were There to Protect Me”

Letizia July 29, 20148:35 am Reply

Thanks again, sweetie, for contributing to my blog and for your kind words – have a great day 🙂
1. Britt Skrabanek July 30, 20142:04 pm Reply
  
  Thank you, sweet cheeks. It was an honor.
danniehill July 29, 20149:19 am Reply

Wonderful story about books and your great Mom!

Isn’t it great to have friends who support you without expecting anything in return. Letizia is one of those kind of people!
1. Britt Skrabanek July 30, 20142:05 pm Reply
  
  Thanks so much, Dannie! Letizia’s a fine human being.
Gallivanta July 30, 20141:29 am Reply

A lovely memoir.
1. Britt Skrabanek July 30, 20142:05 pm Reply
  
  Thanks, Gallivanta!
Browsing the Atlas July 30, 201410:46 am Reply

Very nice interview, Britt. Books are always so comforting, just as you describe. I keep myself surrounded with them. It’s basically my sole (and soul!) addiction.
1. Britt Skrabanek July 30, 20142:08 pm Reply
  
  Sole and soul addiction…love it! Sounds like we have enough to start up a BA (Bookaholics Anonymous) group. : )
Andrea Stephenson July 31, 201411:51 am Reply

Just been over to Letizia’s place to comment, but this is a great story about the power of books.
1. Britt Skrabanek August 1, 20148:18 am Reply
  
  Just saw it this morning. I feel that there are a lot of things that people disagree on, but we all seem to respect the power of books, don’t we? : )
Karin Van den Bergh August 8, 20148:55 pm Reply

Wonderful story Britt. I wish you all well xxx
1. Britt Skrabanek August 11, 20148:47 am Reply
  
  Thanks, lovey! xxx
Naomi Baltuck October 17, 20149:10 am Reply

Hi Britt,
My mom went through that, and my sister is a survivor. Thinking of you both, and wishing you all the best.
1. Britt Skrabanek October 19, 201411:14 am Reply
  
  Thinking of the ladies in your fam as well. Thank you for your sweetness, Naomi!