I think that's the lure of outstanding literature.  There's a resonance that touches us deeply and makes us think of truth.  The Mark of the Lion series comes to mind.  All those Romans and gladiators, slaves, and the small Christian witness, the "voice in the wind."

Of all Rivers' books, these are some of the best.  And yet, I think of those coming of age books that called to me; Up a Road Slowly; Greensleeves, Constance; anything by Nora Lofts. Even Gone with the Wind had a place in my growing up years, along with all Irving Stone's works. 

     Throw in some sci-fi--Andre Norton, Anne McAffrey (sp?) and you'll have all those awoke me to the power of the written word.  How I long to transfer that experience to my students at school!

    My own kids found it through the Little House books, Ray Bradbury, and other things we read aloud.  We still read series together and recommend selections.  There's a real escape in reading unlike any other diversion.

    I remember how boring all my high school classes were, how uninspiring the boys my age. So I withdrew into Phillis Whitney and Victoria Holt, Jane Aiken Hodges. Gradually, I began carting my books home to alleviated the tedium.  My mom would yell, "Quit reading that book!  Come watch television with the rest of us." They were secretly supportive.

    Now, books pass the time in airports or doctors' offices, or help me forget my joint pain. My entire family totes books along to read on every family holiday. Sam at least pretends he is going to finish whatever current ministry book or biography he is perusing.