The gift of books
By sofs
@sofssu (23662)
August 20, 2015 3:20am CST
I just pulled down one of my tiny books from my huge collection of books. Its been years since I had read that book, it has been one of my all time favorites.
When I opened the book memories came flooding through my mind. This book was given by a dear friend to me on his birthday. I had mentioned to him during our conversation that I loved Kahlil Gibran's works and I would love to have a personal copy of his book 'The Prophet' months ago. Even before I could hand him my gift he gave me a gift and thanked me for introducing a priceless pearl to him.
He was my teacher who later became my best friend and confidante. He has immigrated to a different country many years ago. Somehow I have not been able to keep in touch with him.
This book with his familiar handwriting pulls at my heartstrings. The friendship of many years has not been well nurtured due to the distance; but the book seems to make my memories of our wonderful times even more beautiful.
Here is a short passage from Kahlil Gibran for my friend about friendship
"When you part from your friend, you grieve not;
For that which you love most in him may be clearer in his absence, as the mountain to the climber is clearer from the plain.
And let there be no purpose in friendship save the deepening of the spirit."
Some of the my best loved books are gifts from my brothers and friends who know me well.
Do your books bring you memories of your friends and loved ones?
5 people like this
5 responses
@TexanTornado (5573)
• United States
20 Aug 15
Oh very nice. I loved reading this. To answer your question however, the answer would be no. I buy my own books, it's something I enjoy doing. A book store to me, is like a kid in a candy store.
2 people like this
@TexanTornado (5573)
• United States
21 Aug 15
@sofssu That is great that you can get gifts from those close to you, and be able to appreciate them. Yes, a book store is sorta my sanctuary. I feel at peace inside one. Yes, it is my dream, which my youngest son shares with me. Maybe one day, I can help him open one.
@sofssu (23662)
•
21 Aug 15
@TexanTornado Hey I buy most of my books too.. but some specials were gifts from my brothers and best friends who know how much I love to read.. You are right about that; a books store is like a candy store.. I love the smell of books.. I guess it is doubly pleasurable to me to be in a book store. I do remember your dream of wanting a book store from another time.. 
2 people like this
@TexanTornado (5573)
• United States
21 Aug 15
@sofssu In my personal opinion, that would be great. I never got the whole e-reader thing.
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
21 Aug 15
I also love The Prophet..have had this book for many years..Mine was given to me by an ex, but still treasured!!
2 people like this
@Rosekitty (19368)
• San Marcos, Texas
21 Aug 15
@sofssu he did..i inherited all his books when he passed and will treasure them always..
2 people like this
@sofssu (23662)
•
21 Aug 15
@Rosekitty It is something to be treasured. I guess The prophet is one of the books I will never out grow..Gibran's amazing sensitivity and use of metaphors in poetry is unparalleled. I should say your ex has good taste in books.
1 person likes this
@sofssu (23662)
•
21 Aug 15
@Rosekitty I am sorry for your loss. Its is a legacy worth treasuring I can assure you.
1 person likes this
@kiran8 (15348)
• Mangalore, India
20 Aug 15
Hi sofs, such lovely thoughts ! Books have this effect on us...I too have always loved books and miss no opportunity to add on to my collection..I have read the Prophet , which in my opinion is a must read ! I make it a point to visit second hand book sales and stalls in my city and always manage to get at least one book that I have wanted to read ..All my books have some memory or the other attached to them and each time I clean the book shelf I am lost in those memories as clean each volume and put them back 
2 people like this
@sofssu (23662)
•
20 Aug 15
@kiran8 You know what, I love the smell of old books.. I used to hang around my college library reading books and smelling them too Glad you love books and most importantly Kahlil Gibran. Not many have heard of him.. Now I have a complete collection of his works.
Glad you love books and most importantly Kahlil Gibran. Not many have heard of him.. Now I have a complete collection of his works. 1 person likes this
Though , i love John Grisham's books.
@sofssu (23662)
•
21 Aug 15
@alexisokThose memories are special aren't they? Almost like another fiction or interesting story by itself.
