"Welcome," said Hagrid,

"to Diagon Alley."

Okay, just kidding. I only wish I could welcome you to Diagon Alley, or some other equally great place. But, in a way, many of you out there may feel, like myself, that you have, in fact, been to Diagon Alley- although not for real, through the magical pages (and, you can't deny that they are indeed magical, can you?) of J.K. Rowlings books. And, somehow, for me anyway, that is real enough. Don't you agree?

And, this is why books are one of my very most favorite places to "be" in this whole entire world. (Next to being with my amazing husband and super sweet and adorable baby boy..) Books are the greatest adventure and escape that I can most possibly imagine. My small family doesn't have the money to travel to very many exotic and amazing places, but books have the power to take me just about anywhere, even to places that even money cannot buy, let alone create. Like the wonderful world of Harry Potter, or the amazing land of Narnia, or to the places and people that make up the stories contained in the wonderful Lord of the Rings trilogy. Oh, and you better believe that many, many, and much, much more books have taken me to so many other places to meet so many other people too.. It's more than amazing if you ask me. Is this something you have experienced yourself? Words simply cannot describe the way I feel wrapped within the arms of a good book, one that, through its pages, no matter how many, or how few,  becomes a dear companion to me- a friend that joins me in my walk through life. Still following me? I hope so. And if so, this blog might be a place you will want to visit every now and again.

So, let's try this again. Welcome, to my book blog. The place where I plan to share my feelings and insight into the books I am reading. I probably -no scratch that- I do not have the power to inspire, or set your heart on fire the way in which some books do, but maybe I will read something you might like to hear about, and read too, or I might be able to help you know what books your kids and teens might enjoy escaping into.

The point is, I guess, that reading is important and invaluable. Why? I know. But, do you? Tell me what you think. I'd love to hear all about why "books are [your] happy."