This is a story about passion. My dad’s and his books. The library that housed his collection vibrated with intrigue, drama, murder, beautiful women and titles like “Dead as a Dummy,” “Stiffs Don’t Vote,” “No Tears for the Dead,” “’The Case of the Terrified Typist,” and “ Bones of Contention.”
When my mom’s house sold, I took on the task of systematically boxing up these treasures. Little did I realize that I was about to be baptized into the world of mystery writers. These crime scene authors are now my friends as I categorize the over 1,000 books my dad collected over a span of 50 years. Names like Geoffrey Holmes, Nicolas Freeling, Rae Foley, Manning Coles and George Coxe are now etched in my mind; my dad’s favorite authors.
As I pull each book, many of them cloth-covered, from the shelf, page markers denote an event at the time of the reading. An airplane ticket to Mexico, a card or note from me, a receipt telling where the book was purchased, giving us a clue to its value. My dad’s presence was heavy in the air, guiding me, teaching me, sharing his love and the art of reading for leisure. I learned to show interest in someone else’s passion even if you don’t think it’s your thing. I wish I had asked him about this collection, when he started it and how he knew which books would be valuable someday. I wondered if he read and re-read the books of the 40’s and 50’s because it reminded him of a time he was familiar with and it brought back fond memories.
Curiosity got the better of me and I opened up a 1946 Geoffrey Homes, my eyes now trained to see dates and First Editions and the first line had me hooked. I sat down and read page after page, enjoying the writing and how the author created the setting. This 15 minute respite gave me that “aha” moment where I finally realized how my dad felt when he opened one of these books – like time traveling, letting your mind escape for the moment. I gratefully added this book to the stack that would join my library. This mystery lure runs also through my blood. As a child I read every Nancy Drew I could get my hands on, often trading them out at our used bookstore. My dad and I shared a love of Agatha Christie and later still Tony Hillerman both of us reading literally every one of these author’s books. Life is a mystery. The plot continuously unfolding, revealing what we chose to see, hiding clues for our future along the way. I now embrace a different part of my dad, this shadow of him, his true passion. I appreciate this gift. It’s become personal. Thank you Dad for sharing…..
Sending love and good mysterious happenings your way,
Mary
Thanks for sharing this, Mary. Beautiful.
As someone who also adored my dad, I can totally understand your personal thoughts about your dad– a genuinely sweet man.
Mary this is beautiful. It is so special because your Dad was a very special person and his books were a part of him. I love a good book to curl up with on a evening when everyone is a sleep or not home. When you read a real book your whole bean becomes the characters in the story. You feel part of the story. Don’t get me wrong I like Kindle and books on my tablet but they are cold and have to click page by page. Reading outside is a challenge but a paper back or cloth book is our generation and you can hold it in your hand or take in your purse or bag. No one can take the joy of reading from you. I am so grateful that my Grandchildren both love to read even in their busy life in College and Grad-School. Love and kisses to Cousin Carolyn my thoughts are with you often and you also Mary. We are blessed that your Mom has you and you have her plus the wonderful memories of your Dad. Remember each book was a part of Jim or he would not have kept them for all this time.
Thank you Nancy. Yes books sometimes seem a lost art. I love the passion my dad showed for his collection. It was his favorite past time and even occupied his retirement as he donated his time at the library repairing books. I love hearing from you!!
Hi Mary,
Loved your blog and the wonderful pictures of your dad. Thanks for sharing. Have fun with your mom.
Hugs, Mary Joy
When I opened your blog and saw the wonderful pictures of your handsome Dad my heart was filled with both joy and sadness – Joy because I was so fortunate that I was able to connect with him and introduce him (and his beautiful Carolyn and Mary) to his father’s roots and Sadness because I can no longer share all my family discoveries with him. His fondness for reading and books is a shared Knight tradition with his Canadian cousins and I was the lucky recipient of some books that he had found written by Uncle Rob’s daughter Doris Knight. I miss our phone calls and emails and hope that you know that you and Carolyn (and maybe John some day) are always welcome here at your Canadian home.
Much love
Sandra
Dearest Sandra,
Thank you for your kind comments. It was an honor to organize this fine collection for Dad. I will always remember him with a book in his hand and a pipe in his mouth! Yes we do miss him. I love my Canadian roots and will forever be a Canadian Knight!! XXOO
Thanks Mary Joy! I am glad you enjoyed this trip down memory lane.