Since I was a child, my heart has been entwined with the pages of books, sparking a love affair that has endured through the years. It all began in those precious moments at school when they handed out those little sheets for the book club. Oh, the anticipation of scanning through the choices, eagerly selecting titles that promised adventures beyond the confines of reality. Waiting impatiently for weeks until the books arrived, each package a treasure trove of new worlds and characters waiting to be discovered.

As a child, my literary cravings leaned heavily towards the fantastical realms of science fiction and fantasy. I devoured the works of visionaries like Isaac Asimov, losing myself in the intricacies of his futuristic worlds. Star Wars and Star Trek novels held me spellbound, transporting me to galaxies far, far away where heroes and villains clashed in epic battles. And who could forget the enchanting journey through Middle-earth in J.R.R. Tolkien’s ‘The Hobbit’, a tale that ignited my imagination like no other?

“There is no friend as loyal as a book.” – Ernest Hemingway

But it wasn’t just the grandiose universes of space operas and epic quests that captivated me. I reveled in the thrill of Dungeons & Dragons adventures, where every turn of the page held the promise of danger and glory. And oh, the excitement of Choose Your Own Adventure books, where I held the power to shape the story with each decision, forging my own path through the narrative.

Looking back, it’s clear that science fiction and fantasy were the catalysts for this enduring love affair with books. They sparked a passion within me, a hunger for stories that stretched the boundaries of possibility and fired the imagination. And as I journey through life, my love for books remains steadfast, an eternal flame that continues to illuminate my world with wonder and enchantment.

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.”—Joseph Addison

Attending community college was a pivotal moment in my literary journey, introducing me to a whole new realm of non-fiction books that expanded my horizons in ways I never imagined. It was an epiphany, a realization that beyond the realms of science fiction and fantasy, there existed a treasure trove of knowledge, wisdom, and profound insights waiting to be unearthed. Guided by some of the best professors I’ve ever had, I delved into works that offered practical advice and deep learning.

Before college, I had sampled the intellectual feast offered by non-fiction with books like ‘Meditations’ by Marcus Aurelius and ‘Mere Christianity’ by C.S. Lewis. These early encounters set me on a more intellectual path, opening my mind to the richness of philosophical inquiry and spiritual reflection. Yet, it’s essential to note that my love for science fiction and fantasy remains a cherished part of my reading repertoire. While they may not dominate my reading list as they once did, they still hold a special place in my heart, offering moments of escapism and wonder that I treasure to this day.

“There are worse crimes than burning books. One of them is not reading them.”–Ray Bradbury

As a young man, my passion for books extended beyond merely reading them; I sought to collect and cherish them, especially the old and the rare. I would eagerly scour the shelves of used bookstores, relishing the thrill of discovering hidden literary treasures waiting to be unearthed. I vividly recall a memorable journey where I embarked on a four-hour drive just to explore a bookstore renowned for its extensive collection of classic titles.

My love for collecting old books was further fueled when my grandfather bestowed upon me some of his cherished volumes, instilling in me a sense of reverence for these literary relics. Additionally, I inherited a collection of books that once belonged to my grandmother’s parents, precious artifacts that had traveled across oceans before finding a home in the United States.

“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.”—Rene Descartes

Among the most accessible yet intriguing finds were old Bibles, their pages worn with age, their bindings weathered by time. Acquiring a century-old Bible was not only an affordable endeavor but also a deeply gratifying one, each one exuding a distinct aura of history and spirituality. The musty, intoxicating scent of old books became a familiar indulgence, a sensory delight that never failed to transport me to another time and place.

A turning point in my bibliophilic journey occurred when a friend introduced me to his collection of Bibles, each one a testament to the diversity of English translations and the rarity of certain editions. Intrigued by the sheer variety and uniqueness of these sacred texts, I embarked on a quest to expand my own collection. Keeping meticulous track, I amassed over 300 English versions and an astonishing 1000 Bibles, a testament to my enduring fascination with these timeless artifacts of human history and spirituality.

“I am a part of everything I have read.”—Theodore Roosevelt

As my collection of books expanded over the years, I eventually reached a point where space became a limiting factor, prompting me to reconsider my pursuits. Regrettably, I made the difficult decision to cease my active collection of Bibles, acknowledging that my shelves could no longer accommodate their growing numbers. Nevertheless, amidst this realization, I cherish a few prized possessions that stand as testaments to both history and rarity.

Among these treasured artifacts are a handful of individual pages, or leaves, from ancient Bibles, each imbued with a unique significance. One such leaf hails from a Cherokee translation Bible, over a century old, its scarcity and cultural importance adding layers of reverence to its delicate pages. Additionally, I possess a page from one of the earliest printing presses in Germany, a tangible link to the dawn of movable type and the Gutenberg revolution that forever transformed the dissemination of knowledge.

“We shouldn’t teach great books; we should teach a love of reading.”—B.F. Skinner

Equally remarkable is a fragment from one of the earliest printing presses in the United States, a tangible relic from the infancy of American printing history. These fragments, though small in size, loom large in their historical and collectible value, serving as poignant reminders of humanity’s enduring quest for enlightenment through the written word. In the realm of collectability, I find it difficult to envision surpassing the rarity and significance embodied by these three extraordinary artifacts, each a testament to the rich tapestry of human literary heritage.

The perennial question of “What is your favorite book?” has always proved challenging for me to answer definitively. With a vast and varied library at my disposal, each volume holding its own unique allure and significance, singling out just one feels akin to choosing a favorite child. Instead, I propose a different perspective: rather than fixating on a single favorite, perhaps the more pertinent inquiry is, “Which books do you find yourself returning to most often?” For those of us ensnared in a love affair with books, the ones we revisit time and again hold a special place in our hearts. They are the trusted companions whose pages we dog-ear, whose passages we commit to memory, and whose stories we carry with us through life’s journey. Yet, this is not to discount the profound impact that other books have had on my life; each one, whether revisited frequently or encountered only once, has left its indelible mark on my literary odyssey.

“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.”—Walt Disney

There exists a category of books in my personal library that, while once profoundly impactful, now occupy a different space in my literary landscape. These volumes served as crucial stepping stones along my journey, offering guidance and solace during pivotal moments in my life. Yet, as I’ve continued to evolve and grow, I find myself less inclined to revisit them regularly, if at all. Though their influence remains deeply ingrained within me, I’ve moved beyond the need for their immediate comfort or guidance.

Among this collection are books that acted as beacons of light during dark times, providing much-needed support and insight when I needed it most. To these books, I am forever grateful, acknowledging the role they played in helping me navigate through challenging circumstances. However, their purpose in my life has shifted; their lessons learned and wisdom imparted now reside within me, no longer requiring frequent revisitation.

“A room without books is like a body without a soul.”—Marcus Tullius Cicero

While these books may not occupy a prominent place on my current reading list, their impact is indelible. Their words continue to resonate within me, serving as a reminder of the trials I’ve overcome and the wisdom I’ve gleaned along the way. Though our paths may diverge, the lessons learned from these cherished volumes will forever shape the narrative of my life.

With a bibliophilic appetite that knows no bounds, my library stands as a testament to my enduring love affair with books in all their forms. Print, electronic, and audio—each format finds its place amidst the shelves of my collection, numbering in the thousands. At its peak, my print collection boasted over 3000 volumes, though I’ve since pruned it back and migrated some titles to electronic format for convenience. Kindle books number well over 1500, while my audible library boasts a formidable collection of over 500 audiobooks.

“There is no mistaking a real book when one meets it. It is like falling in love.”—Christopher Morley, Pipefuls

While the sheer volume may seem daunting to some, rest assured that the majority have felt the caress of my eager eyes and attentive ears. Many of these books have been consumed cover to cover, their stories and insights becoming cherished companions along my literary journey. Yet, amidst this vast expanse, there exist reference materials whose pages I may not have traversed in their entirety. These tomes, though not read from start to finish, hold immense value as sources of knowledge and information. I keep them close at hand for their referential worth, often returning to them to glean specific insights or to satisfy a curious inquiry. Though their pages may not be devoured in the traditional sense, their presence in my library is a testament to the multifaceted role that books play in shaping and enriching our lives.

Ah, back to my most cherished companions—the books that beckon me back time and time again, like old friends whose company I can’t resist. These are the volumes that hold a special place in my heart, offering not just knowledge or entertainment, but a sense of comfort and familiarity that is unrivaled. To say they’ve had an impact on me would be an understatement; they’ve woven themselves into the very fabric of my being, shaping my thoughts, igniting my imagination, and stirring my soul.

“So many books, so little time.”—Frank Zappa

Each time I return to these beloved books, it’s like reuniting with dear friends after a long absence. There’s a warmth and ease to our interaction, as if picking up right where we left off, the conversation flowing effortlessly as we delve once more into the worlds they contain. Sometimes I seek them out for inspiration, drawing strength from their wisdom and insight. Other times, it’s simply for the joy of experiencing their magic anew, reveling in the beauty of their prose or the depth of their characters.

Yes, I personify my books, for in my eyes, they are more than just inanimate objects; they are living, breathing entities that hold a piece of my soul within their pages. And just as a gathering of close friends can bring joy and fulfillment, so too can a well-curated library be a sanctuary of solace and delight. It’s a party of literary companionship, where each book offers its own unique perspective and voice, enriching the tapestry of my inner world.

“Reading is a basic tool in the living of a good life.”—Joseph Addison

And yes, I revel in the company of my books, finding joy and fulfillment in their presence even when I’m alone. For in the quiet sanctuary of my library, surrounded by the voices of my dearest friends, I find solace, inspiration, and endless possibilities waiting to be explored.

Ah, my treasure trove, more valuable to me than all the gold hoarded by the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. These are the books that hold a special place in my heart, the ones to which I return time and time again, like a hobbit returning to the comforts of the Shire after a grand adventure. My precious.

“There are no faster or firmer friendships than those formed between people who love the same books.”—Irving Stone, Clarence Darrow for the Defense

At the pinnacle of my cherished literary companions stands the Bible, its timeless wisdom and spiritual guidance serving as the cornerstone of my faith and worldview. Alongside this sacred text reside a select few books that have earned a place of honor on my list of perennial favorites. “Meditations” by Marcus Aurelius, “Mere Christianity” by C.S. Lewis, and “My Utmost for His Highest” by Oswald Chambers are among the cherished volumes that I have turned to time and time again, finding solace and inspiration within their pages. Recently, I made a rare addition to this esteemed collection—a book that, despite its newfound presence, has already woven itself into the fabric of my literary journey. “The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World” by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Carlton Abrams captivated me from the moment I first read it, and I have since found myself returning to its profound insights multiple times. While its place on my list may be new, I have no doubt that its wisdom will endure, solidifying its status as a cherished companion for years to come.

If I were pressed to select just one or perhaps two books that hold the most profound significance for me, the ones whose well-worn pages bear testament to countless journeys of the mind, I would undoubtedly choose “Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul” by J.P. Moreland and “Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling” by James W. Sire. These seminal works illuminate the path toward an intellectual life guided by faith and reason, serving as beacons of inspiration in my quest for knowledge and understanding. They instill in me a fervent desire to explore the vast expanse of human thought and experience, urging me to embark upon the grand adventure of intellectual discovery with zeal and determination. Through their profound insights and wisdom, these books have become not just companions on my journey, but guiding lights illuminating the path toward a life of intellectualism and spiritual fulfillment.

My List

• Meditations by Marcus Aurelius
• Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis
• My Utmost for His Highest by Oswald Chambers
• Love Your God with All Your Mind: The Role of Reason in the Life of the Soul by J.P. Moreland 
• Habits of the Mind: Intellectual Life as a Christian Calling by James W. Sire
• New to the list
  • The Book of Joy: Lasting Happiness in a Changing World by Dalai Lama, Desmond Tutu, & Douglas Carlton Abrams

“When I get a little money, I buy books. If there is any left over, I buy food and clothes.” – Erasmus

Reflection

• What books have played the most significant role in shaping your intellectual and spiritual journey, and why?
• How do you balance the pursuit of intellectualism with your personal faith or worldview, and which authors or texts have helped you navigate this intersection?
• Can you share a memorable experience or revelation you’ve had while revisiting a beloved book, and how did it impact your perspective on life or deepen your understanding of yourself and the world around you?