I didn't have a great childhood. My parents fought all the time and eventually divorced. I escaped into books. I had a large bookshelf that I filled with used books from thrift stores that I cherished.

Not surprisingly, I had a bad marriage and became a young struggling single mother. I escaped into books.

Now my kids are grown and I have grandchildren. I celebrate their successes but feel helpless watching their challenges. You never stop being a parent.

I still escape into books. When the outside world is difficult, books can take you to a better place.