I was fortunate enough to grow up in a home where books were among our most prized possessions. My parents were always reading, and I assumed every family made weekly treks to the library. I didn't understand why friends groaned when book reports were assigned, and if given the choice between reading, and doing just about anything else, I chose a book every time. My love of books has shaped my life in many ways. Most significantly, it has inspired a love of storytelling, and the dream of sharing those stories with others.