By KARI PELAEZ

Books have been my lifeline ever since I can remember.

I went to kindergarten knowing how to read (thanks, Momma!). I read books under the covers. I had a cozy closet which I would turn into a cave and read for hours.

I read outside in the summer, and next to the heater in the winter. I always chose too many books for vacation in fear of finishing one and not having a second. I knew our local library by Dewey Decimal System. Books are my joy, my refuge, my alternate lives.

“Many people, myself among them, feel better at the mere sight of a book.” — Jane Smiley

Feng Shui principles say that you should not have books in your bedroom. I’m not sure why, because I never read past that first sentence. My books are my friends. I have books on my shelves that were gifted to me for my fifth birthday. I have books that were my grandfather’s. I have books that I haven’t read but I love the covers. Just the presence of books soothes my soul.

“I do believe something very magical can happen when you read a good book.” — JK Rowling

I have lost myself in many, many books in my 47 years. It started with “Slowpoke the Puppy”(still a fave and I still have my copy!). I moved through my adolescence sleuthing with Nancy Drew, being silly with Ramona, and commiserating with Margaret. I live my books — sometimes too much.

I had to stop reading the “Flowers in the Attic” series as a teen because they were so dark and desperately evil, I couldn’t sleep. But then there were the life changers: Ayla from “Clan of the Cave Bear,” Morgaine from “Mists of Avalon,” Hazel and Fiver in “Watership Down,” Meg, Jo, Amy and Beth in “Little Women.” All these strong characters showed me in their own ways how to be strong, how to be an individual, how to fight to be me.

“Keep reading. It’s one of the most marvelous adventures anyone can have.” — Lloyd Alexander

I am addicted to books and to reading. I admit it and I don’t want to recover from it. As I get older and more selective, my choices of reading material do too. I find I read more non-fiction. Recent favorites include Jean Shinoda Bolen’s “Crossing to Avalon” and “The Dressmaker of Khair Khana” by Gayle Tzemach Lemmon. I don’t stray far from the genre of strong women and survivors. Historical fiction with mysteries and monasteries and witches and beautiful settings will suck me in every time.

Luckily for me, I’ve been able to feed my addiction at the Stillwaters annual Used Book Sale. I have to set limits for myself — three  books a day maximum! (True confession: that usually doesn’t work). The 2016 sale begins Sept. 9 and continues Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Oct. 9. Come, book lovers, and feed your addiction!

— Contact Kari Pelaez at kari@stillwatersenviron mentalcenter.org.