I’m Thankful for Books: Part 1

In honor of the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday, we asked some of our committee members what books they’re thankful for this year. The responses were, not surprisingly, extremely varied. And many highlighted books that made an impact on them when they were children, books that continue to touch their hearts.

So without further ado, we present Part I…

“Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
from Ann Cahill
I am most grateful for “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott because, at a time when it wasn’t common, the driving character was an independent woman who followed her dream, listened to her heart, and acted on what she believed in. At the same time, it reinforced the importance of family and the gift of making sacrifices for the ones we love. It had an incredible impact on me the first time I read it. I have read “Little Women” nearly 20 times and have seen every movie version made! (It was also the best book I ever received as a gift. And it is one I have given several of my nieces as a gift – although they haven’t loved it as much as I have, sadly!)

“Winnie the Pooh” by A.A. Milne
from Nansie Wilde, City of Gaithersburg staff
As a child, the Pooh books provided many hours of family fun and entertainment.  I was one of five kids and the Pooh stories were enjoyed by all youngest and oldest ( no squabbling over which book to read).  We each had our stuffed animal character that was ours and we would play out the stories as mom read them to us.  Then, as an adult, you suddenly find that there are many life lessons to be learned from reading Pooh stories and they really are not just stories for children. When my now husband was very sick with the flu in college, I read Pooh to him. His mother thought I was crazy, but he loved it. When my 80-year-old mother was recuperating from major heart surgery at Johns Hopkins, my husband choose to take Pooh over to read to her since she could not read or talk for several days. When my own children were young, they loved listening to the Pooh stories, and the stories continue to be a bond between generations from grandparent to parent to child, and I expect to the next generation when they start to arrive. In the work place, I have used quotes from Pooh and his friends for motivating staff, for recognition of achievements, for starting brainstorming sessions.  Pooh fits into life at all ages and at home, at work and at play.

“People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.” – A.A. Milne
“Rivers know this: there is no hurry. We shall get there some day.” – A.A. Milne
“I’m not lost for I know where I am.  But however, where I am may be lost.” – A.A. Milne
“The things that make me different are the things that make me.” – A.A. Milne
“’Oh Tigger, where are your manners?’ ‘I don’t know, but I bet they’re having more fun than I am.’”  – A.A. Milne