It’s no surprise how I return to the Power of the Book during challenging times. While I don’t want to be one who puts my head in the sand and ignores major challenges in front of us, I also know I need to be good to myself. As a young child books provided an important avenue for escape and enjoyment. Now feels little different than that. Back in 2020 I blogged about my grandfather, Richard G. Montgomery, Sr., opening a lending library in the town of Ocean Park during World War I.

During World War I, our grandfather began a lending (rental) library during the summer months in Ocean Park, Washington. He had access to books from his grandfather J.K. Gill’s Portland bookstore, and imagined that people needed escape. Although we aren’t now facing a war, the health crisis around the world has separated us into people with differing amounts of leisure time as we are either fighting for our health, working exhaustingly to help keep others healthy or alive, or being told to stay at home. For especially the latter group, 24-hour news floods our brains and our hearts: sometimes creating obsessive following of news that prevents us from focusing on much else.“
From “Books as A Refuge in Times of Fear, March 22, 2020.

When I wrote that original blog, it was the COVID pandemic that had us scared and isolated. Books were a great solution. More books if we already were readers. While COVID is still around, and public health experts remind us to prepare for whatever next infectious disease may be on the way, our political situation has many of us on edge. Perhaps we can somehow be inspired to try to move ahead–even if interrupted with time for escape reading. We are reminded of the troubles tumbling through history and the importance of connecting with others to create moments of hope.

A recent read for me was Octavia Butler’s Parable of the Sower. This book had been on my bookstand since picking it up at Third Eye Books back in June during Portland Book Week. I’ll be honest: for those months it sat unread I simply didn’t know if I could handle the dystopic story I knew I would find within its cover. Crazily I chose to begin it right before election week. It’s difficult and powerful and important for so many reasons and I highly recommend it. Just know what you’re getting yourself into. Some of my reading lately has been specific to my current Work in Progress; historical fiction, and learning more about both the fishing and paper-making industries. And others I’ve chosen, well, just because. I now commonly have my nose (or ear) in two books: one traditional paper and the other audio. Libby has been a wonderful discovery for me, encouraging me to place both new and older books on hold. I have found I do enjoy some of the page turning bestselling authored works better in audio form (like Liane Moriarty). Audio books are wonderful companions for my walks and occasionally encouraging me to spend more time cleaning my house simply to find out what happens next. Oh – the book I read the most often from cover to cover is my grandson’s favorite: Richard Scarry’s Cars and Trucks and Things That Go.

Speaking of books, I’m particularly looking forward to the annual Oregon Historical Society’s Holiday Cheer book event on Sunday, December 8 from 12-4 pm. Get all the details, including attending authors and available books.

OHS’s Holiday Cheer is among my most favorite book event. and for so many reasons. First, I unconsciously feel the roots of my family stories as I wander through the museum. I too appreciate recent efforts of the museum to give space and attention to stories of so many people and events previously ignored or left behind. Bigger than that, though, is what an awesome event this is for book lovers and authors. It exudes a holiday feeling, even if you’re not big on celebrating. There is the joy of connection in the air, and the thrill of supporting amazing new works by Oregon authors–all accepted authors must have a 2024 release. See what authors and books to expect. I will be there with three of my works, including my most recent, From First Breath to Last. And like most other authors, I’m not offended if you choose not to buy my book or you get it from the library or for whatever reason my books aren’t your cup of tea. I still love to chat! And I’m certain you’ll find other books to suit your interests. Besides, it’s important for all of us to get into downtown Portland whenever we find a chance. See you there?

From Holiday Cheer 2020 with authors Margaret Pinard and Walter Cole.