These past few days I’ve buried myself in three books – the printed on paper sort or books. I am reading ”The Land of Sweet Forever,” by Harper Lee, “The Burgess Boys,” by Elizabeth Strout, and “We Did OK, Kid,” by Anthony Hopkins.

I have discovered, over the years, I prefer to read two, sometimes three, books at a time. The variety, the quietness of the exercise, I find appealing. With this current selection, the memoir gives me a window into the life of a respected actor and movie star. Harper Lee’s early works evidence her warming up to pen “To Kill a Mockingbird.” Strout’s work of fiction unravels an acute family drama. The author illustrates her deep knowledge of the inner-workings of complex families – something almost all readers find familiar if we are willing to look. 

I like the unhurriedness of reading real paper books. I can take notes, watch for the authors’ unique styles, learn about writing and learn new words.

Anthony Hopkins describes a woman as “zaftig” and I was amused and a little sad that I’d never heard the word before. 

Had I known “zaftig” I would certainly have used it many times.