–  –  –  –  – 

I hold the long-awaited book in my hands, poised to open the stiff and shiny cover, then hesitate.

THIS MOMENT.

Before a single word is read.

Before the spine shows a single crease.

Before corners of pages become bent and worn.

I love this moment.

Full of anticipation and so much potential.

A new world full of new people.

Will I lose myself, setting aside my worries until the last word has been read?

Will I finish with a sigh and a smile, rereading here & there before returning it to the bookshelf?

OR,

Will I put it down after a few chapters to be found later under a layer of dust?

I run my thumb along the book’s edge, causing pages to fan and words to blur.

The smell of ink on paper reaches me. I’m ready.

Anticipation. Potential.

A soon-to-be-discovered favorite or just another book I’ve read?

Cover is opened, pages turned, first line found.

I’ll know the answer soon enough.

  –  –  –  –  – 

There’s nothing quite like the moment just before you start a new book, is there?