A Velocity Of Being - Maria Popova & Claudia Bedrick

Literary Criticism

Rating: 9.5/10

Writers, cultural icons and artists showcase their love of books in this gorgeous compilation of letters to readers. That love is poignantly depicted in both the stories and the stunning art pieces that accompany them. 

As I read this collection, I found myself writing my own letter, one to the books…

Dear Books,

Thank You.

For provoking in me an insatiable hunger and the boundless means to satiate it.

For seeping my imagination in the opulence and riches contained in the creativity of countless gifted authors.

For teaching me stealth in hiding my books when grownups thought I should be doing something else; under the covers with a flashlight way past my bedtime, in history class with the textbook as cover, on my lap at the dinner table…

For hijacking my mind and my senses and infusing them with incredible adventures…right there written on the page.

For granting me permission to be anyone, go anywhere, do anything…

For the salve to the soul that your unwavering companionship provided.

For heaping upon me the splendor and brilliance of words and the power of their order.

For showing me the unnamed parts of myself…and putting a name to them.

Thank You.

For making me laugh, for making me think, for making me cry, for making me rage…for making me…me.

Thank You.