Intervention

It snuck up on me, really. First it came in the form of yard sale or thrift shop finds. Antique stores soon became a favored resource. Even my grandmother's porch became the place to get my next fix.

For years I have had, at any one time, a couple of books in progress. I am a moody reader, so if something I read does not totally captivate me, I set it aside for awhile and read other things until the mood is right. Having said that, I like to have a variety of reading materials at my disposal at all times.

You know, it started innocently enough. I was an early reader -- at some point during pre-school, I picked up on it. I don't recall learning how to read, actually. I just remember being able to, and reading anything and everything. I first read my absolute favorite, To Kill a Mockingbird, in sixth grade. I have since read it at least three other times over the years and have come to love it.

As an undergrad, I declared as an English major with a literature concentration. Shortly thereafter, the thrill of buying dozens of novels a semester began. Once in awhile an anthology would find me. Slowly and methodically the illness continued to take root.

Tonight I drove thirty miles to buy a book. Actually, I drove thirty miles to buy two books, and the shop had neither in stock. Disappointed, I opted for a retail store that has a pretty strong book department...no such luck. I ended up buying two books that I had not intended to buy and washed away my guilt with an overpriced cup of coffee (as if my coffee vice could redeem my book vice!!). Apparently the guilt-reducing latte worked...I just got home and ordered the books I was initially seeking online. I feel no guilt, but do feel the need to come clean.

They say the first step is admitting you have a problem...

Hi, my name is Kim, and I'm a book-a-holic.