Author Joseph Rinaldo: What Books Mean To Me

Last month I had the pleasure of virtually meeting another new author and I’d like to welcome him here today as the special guest blogger.

Author Joseph Rinaldo recently published an e-book entitled, A SPY AT HOME. Here’s a brief synopsis of it: Garrison’s story begins when he retires from the CIA. In retirement Garrison shares the pain he inflicted on his family during his life abroad. Noah, Garrison’s adult son with Down syndrome (a form of mental retardation) doesn’t trust dad when he returns home. Experience has taught Noah that dad always leaves again. Over time they grow closer.

Louisa, Garrison’s wife, gradually accepts her husband back; however, accepting him as her husband and trusting him with her child present two separate obstacles.

Tragedy strikes, and Louisa dies. Garrison becomes solely responsible for Noah, who has developed Alzheimer’s, common in aging people with Down syndrome. This disease tears at Garrison’s heart. Noah ceases to be himself and relives a life his dad knew nothing about.

Joseph has joined us today to answer an age-old question, ‘What do books mean to you?’

I can't remember a time in my life when reading wasn't important to me. My family are all readers, and it always surprises me when someone tells me that they don't read much. 

I even know one person who not only has never been to a library, but who admits they have never read a book all the way through. I was so shocked by this, I was speechless (and if you knew me, you'd know how rare this is!).

Reading for information is important, but in my life, reading is most often pure escapism. Traveling to other lands, through other peoples' lives, into other realities is a way to take a mini-vacation from my own challenges. It's easy to get lost in stories and forget about the day-to-day trials and tribulations of real life. 

As you go deeper and deeper into someone else's universe, suddenly the importance of your broken lawn mower, long hours at work, and too-crowded schedule begins to fade away. At least for a while. Minutes, even hours, can pass free from worry and stress.

So, I challenge you, blog readers, to pick up a book or turn on your e-reader. Lose yourself in a book; it can be the best therapy – and it's certainly cheaper than a shrink!

Joseph, thanks so much for guest blogging today. You are so right about being about to escape from life’s stress and worries when reading. It’s amazing all the places you can go through the power of books.

Joseph resides in Nashville, TN. For more on  and his writing, check out his website.

Do books help you unwind after a long day at work or a hectic day of just doing day-to-day activities? Do you read for work or pleasure or both? Thanks for stopping by today.