Grown Up Book Fair

On Saturday, with no market to attend, I decided to do something I have been wanting to do for quite some time: attend the adult book fair in Greensburg. When I was a kid, I loved the Scholastic Book Fair. It was always a dilemma to decide which books to buy, how to narrow it down to the ones I could afford, and which book to read first. I never spent my money on anything but books, except maybe a horse poster once. The grown-up version of the book fair was no different. I had to decide which books I would buy. Would I buy a blind date with a book, a signed copy from an author, or a series? The possibilities were endless. Sigh. I love a good book fair. 

I ordered VIP tickets and was gifted a mocktail upon entering the event, a swag bag (I love a swag bag!), and access to bookmark- and friendship-bracelet-making, plus authors and vendors selling book-themed items. It was a book nerd's heaven. My dear friend Debbie and I spent the afternoon in a garden-themed literary setting. I was in my element. Doing this small thing that I have been looking forward to for months, literally since February, brought me a great amount of joy. 

I have made it a priority to read more this year. However, I have set a goal to read at least three books this year that deepen my understanding or introduce me to a new concept. I have gotten away from reading for educational purposes, and I feel that reading to learn and broaden my mind is just as important now as it was when I was younger. I have also given myself permission to put a book aside and not finish it if it doesn't speak to me. To date, I have set aside two books. I am still in the habit of forcing myself to read something I am not enjoying because I feel all information has value. However, if I am really not enjoying a book, it's okay to walk away from it.

Also on my reading priority list is to include at least three classics this year. I am very good at reading the classics and fairly well-read, so this is not a struggle for me. I find myself making lists of classics I want to read, only to struggle to decide which ones to read. At the top of my list is Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E. Frankl. On my list of books criteria for 2026 is to read a premiere novel by a new novelist, a work of historical fiction, and a book for sheer enjoyment. I would like to read 24 books this year. To date, I have read twelve books. I might surpass my goal, which makes me feel as if I have accomplished something. 

If you have an opportunity to attend an adult book fair, I strongly recommend it. It's a great way to relive the joy the Scholastic Book Fairs brought us as children. If you can attend with a good friend, even better. Debbie and I made a day of it. We went to Barnes and Noble, grabbed a bite to eat, and enjoyed spending some much-needed time together. On this lovely Monday, stay safe, be smart, enjoy good books and good company, and keep washing your hands.