A melody is defined as 'a sequence of single notes that is musically satisfying; a tune.' That is how I feel everytime I walk into Gansbaai Book Exchange.
I definitely hear the books sing to me, in perfect and exquisite harmony. Melody is also defined as 'the aspect of musical composition concerned with the arrangement of single notes to form a satisfying sequence.'Satisfying indeed. There is something about book stores that calms and excites the spirit all at the same time. Indeed then I can compare it to music. As Shakespeare said, "If music be the food of love, then play on...". There are some of us who no matter how many books they own are always searching for that perfect song, I mean book. And when it appears it opens up all the senses. Thankfully I am in Nicolette Bosch's book exchange and the books are well priced. The second hand gems spilling off the shelves and the rare books enticing me over. In fact it was here that I stumbled upon a book published in the 1950s - The World of Music. With its mahogany cover, this book is defined as a treasury for listener and viewer. It is a magical albeit alphabetical journey of music with two thousand illustrations. Weighing in at a few kilograms I must not move house any time soon. The most special aspect of this book however is its connection to my late mother who had exactly the same book. That gem resides with my oldest sister but even now this book in some way connects us all. Therein lies the magic of books, this connection we feel to others, to the author, to the book seller, to the story, to the history, to the melody of it all. Music may be the food of love but books the sweet nectar to be enjoyed alongside.
