Monumental

It all started with Charlotte's Web. I was in about third grade and so excited to read a book that was not assigned in school. My mom told me this book made her cry when she was little, so I decided to give it a try. I only made it halfway through. I was interested, but for some reason, I put the book down and walked away. Never to return to it again.

I have done the same thing with countless other books. In fact, I successfully passed Honors English without reading one book in its entirety. My sister, who is an avid reader, loved to joke about the fact that I was incapable of finishing a book. I tried several times to love reading, but I felt like it was a waste of time even if I did find the books interesting.

College came and that was four years of skimming many textbooks. I think my reading skills drastically improved from reading all the textbooks forced upon me. However, when I had free time, the very last thing I ever wanted to do was read.

So I graduated. And I kept hearing all this talk about libraries, books, keeping my mind active. I decided to give reading another shot. I started with The Scarlet Pimpernel - a book I was supposed to read in 8th grade. I loved it! Then came Mutant Message Down Under. I was intrigued! I started The Hunger Games and found myself aching for sleep but actually unable to put the book down. Who is this girl I've become?!?

But the moment I knew I was truly converted to reading was today at 8:03. I realized I was in book limbo. I just finished The Hunger Games and I had nothing waiting to be cracked open next. I glanced at the clock and thought, "Dang. I bet the library's already closed." After some quick internet research I found it didn't close until 9:00. Before I knew it I was out the door on a mad dash to the library.

I pulled up to the library and I think my heart skipped a beat. My new love. I walked inside the book sanctuary and sighed at the now familiar smell of worn pages. I quickly walked over to the Young Adult section. (My mom makes fun of me because I haven't matured to the adult books yet, but one step at a time.) I was so proud I was able to find my book in less than a minute. I checked the book out and handed over my library card. Yes. I said it. My name is Sarah Excell, I own a library card, and I can finally finish a book!