My love affair began with Black Beauty. I was 7 years old and devoured it page by page after receiving it for Christmas, 1979.
Yes, before that I had lesser crushes – The Velveteen Rabbit had nipped at my heart – but none that had ripped it wide open like this one horse’s life story, replete with trials, tribulations and a tear-jerking reunion. It was my first and truest relationship with a classic work of literature, one that would forever set my expectations about what a story is supposed to do.
From this I learned that a world of genius just waits to be discovered, and there is never enough time to read ALL THE GOOD BOOKS!!
What is your favorite work of classic lit?
Is it the ever-popular Jane Eyre?
The always delightful Peter Pan?
The idealistic Walden?
The transcendentally beautiful Leaves of Grass?
I’ll bet you can find a lovely artistic rendering of it here.
If you enjoy great design and want to give the literature lover on your list something he or she will actually use, check out this new site, Literary Book Gifts. Creator and designer Melissa has placed old fashioned line drawings on tasteful tote bags and t-shirts for men and women. Use the code GRETCHENMATTHEWS20 and she’ll give you 20% off any purchase, no minimum. 
The totes are sturdy cotton, fully lined, and come in three different sizes. There are 64
designs to choose from, including every one of the books I’ve mentioned above.
T-shirts are soft and available in more colors than I stopped to count. And beyond literary designs, some also feature images simply reminiscent of old times and refined living….an antique desk, a typewriter, a tribute to Beethoven.
Pretty much everyone agrees, life is too hectic today. Slowing down with a good read – or being reminded that you should by a tote bag or a t-shirt – is a great way to encourage someone you love to make the most of their time in the new year.
Remember – Literary Book Gifts and use code GRETCHENMATTHEWS20 . And just so you know, I receive no financial benefit from your transaction. I just like the products and thought you might too.
Peace and blessings to you and yours – always. Happy Holidays!