When I was in first grade, I was in a school play called “Books are our Friends”, one of only two representatives from the lower grades. I don’t remember being told the reason I was provided the

opportunity, but looking back now the reason is clear: I was into books and reading, big time. Fast forward 8 years, and the first thing I did when I got a steady paycheck as a teenager was to sign up for the Franklin Library’s collection of classics, beautifully bound editions with ornate endpapers, one per month at $15.20 each. I still have that collection, and can’t see parting with it, ever.

However, I won’t be able to take those 50 volumes onto Erin Skye when we move aboard in 10 months. There simply won’t be enough room. And if we can fit 50 books, we’d choose the cruising guides, sailboat system maintenance manuals, and homeschooling reference material instead.