I only suffered one little loss in the storm. My 1000 or so books were stored in the basement of a relative’s house, which was in one of those ominous-sounding low-lying, coastal areas. Those volumes now swim with the fishes. That leaves me in possession of only 24 books which I just read, am reading or about to read.

Whenever I lose any possession, I always have a feeling of lightness. Without the weight, I just might float away. Should l use this opportunity to switch to an e-reader for all my in-print reading? Maybe.

I don’t fret at all about the loss. I think it’s amazing I’ve had the opportunity to read so many great books by so many brilliant people. How enriched my life has been because of it. What privilege.

It makes me think of all those in the world who don’t have that opportunity because of poverty or politics or bias. All that wasted potential.

••••••••••

“How many little Albert Eisteins / Cut down in their prime?”: