A serious (but harmless) fellow with a big appetite.
When describing a delicious meal or something super tasty, we often say “it was good to the last bite.”
It’s a complimentary statement that insinuates satisfaction, delight, and a feeling of fullness. Perhaps, we offer those words graciously to our hostess after a hearty home-cooked meal of our favorite comfort foods. (And everyone knows that there’s nothing as tantalizing as the calorie-laden meat and potato fare that takes us back to our own childhoods.)
I sometimes equate a good meal to a good book.
When we sit down to our favorite mouth-watering foods, we can hardly wait to dig in. Conversation wanes, silverware rattles, and immediately we’re drawn to the sumptuous feast that’s been prepared.
And much like a great meal, when we initially open the cover of that long-awaited book, our eyes hungrily scan the banquet before us.
The ink is fresh and we savor its smell.
The words are meaty; their essence, powerful.
The anticipation begins to build as we inhale the preliminaries–the title page, the acknowledgements, a dedication note–the appetizers, before moving on to the main course–the story.
Sometimes, we want to devour the entire book at one sitting, but all too often, there just isn’t enough time.
We may dine timidly at first fearing interruption, almost anticipating it. When too many minutes sadly do tick by, we’re forced to be satisfied with the few tempting bites we’re at least able to sample. Our hunger is tamped down temporarily until our next “meal” five or six hours later.
The end of the chapter hook must suffice as dessert until then, until the next time dinner’s served. And when it is, we know because of what we’ve read so far, that the entire book will be “good to the last bite.”
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When you purchase a book that is “good to the last bite” would you be more likely to place it in your “keeper” pile, share it with the understanding it would be returned, or donate it to your church library/used bookstore?
Comments 6
When I find a book I enjoy, I want to pass it on so another reader can savor the story. I’ve read so many great books that if I’d kept them all, we’d not be able to walk through our house. =)
Author
I tried keeping “them all” for the last 20 or so years, Keli, and I finally had to whittle down my stash! Walking through the house is kind of a necessity, isn’t it? Too bad. 🙂
I used to keep it in the “keeper pile” (which became a big pile next to my bed) but since I went to Europe to visit my hubby’s brother and wife, I’ve learned to pass books on. My sister in law is French. She gave me a book while I was there. She just finished reading it, and handed it to me. She told me it was good and to read it. I was stunned…I had never considered doing that. I’m sure they keep a few but she said that they believe that good books were meant to be passed on. So now, I only keep books that I’m sure I will read again or for research. It’s a good way to keep the book clutter down…and what good is a book in a box in the garage? Pass them on!
Great post.
Author
How sweet of your sister-in-law, Loree!
I still have several “keeper” books, but like you, I’ve learned to pass on many of my favorites. To share a special book with someone is truly a gift from the heart.
I also have “keeper” books. I’ve learned that loaned books don’t usually find their way home, even when I’ve specifically asked for it back when they were done reading it. I even bought a stamp and put my name in the front. Now I don’t pass a book along until I’m done with it, or I buy another copy to give away instead. Some, I donate.
Author
Yes, some of my “keepers” I must keep, too, Patti. And that’s a super idea about putting your name in the front of a book with a special stamp.