Books to explore

15 years ago, I walked into the library and proudly asked "Harry Potter wa doko desu ka?"  Where is Harry Potter?  The books were in high demand and I had heard they had English versions at the library.  I would have bought them, but English books are so expensive in Japan - typically 2-3 times the cover price.  Sometimes the cost was worth it.  Other times, I decided eating on a regular basis was more important.  So, any time I could find English books for free, I was eager to crack them open.  I borrowed books from people that were practically strangers on more than one occasion!

The librarian looked at me with confusion.  So, I asked again, with a bit more emphasis "Hair ee pot ter wa doko desu ka?"  She slowly asked me how I had come to the library, by bike or walking.  I told her I had ridden my bike.  She smiled and took out a map.  She then began to give me directions.  Very confused, I started pantomiming for book and repeating "Harry Potter."  A look of understanding and relief came over her face as she finally understood what I was looking for.  She then took me to the English section of the library where the first couple Harry Potter books were located. 

I couldn't stop laughing for quite some time.  She thought that I had asked where the helicopters were!  She was giving me directions to the local airport.  Luckily there was an airport in town.  Otherwise, where would she have sent me?  I still don't understand why she didn't take me to the kid's book section to show me a book about transportation.

Despite this miscommunication, I read tons of the books at that library.  Not all libraries even have an English section.  And I always considered myself to be lucky - although I still spent hundreds of dollars for books anyway.

Recently, my husband took our son to the library to get his library card and check out a few books.  I didn't join them because I cannot get a library card until I get my residency card.  When he returned, I asked about adult books in English.  He hadn't even checked. 

So, a few days later, I was meeting someone in front of the library.  I intentionally got there a bit early so I could check it out myself.  I walked right up to the information booth and asked "Eigo no hon onaigaishimas."  English books, please.  He kindly smiled and walked me over to the English section.  I am not kidding when I say my heart started fluttering!  It was shelf after shelf of glorious books in writing that I could read and comprehend.  I almost started crying.  I love to read.  And the sight of all those books made me so happy.

Books in English aren't just something I read in Japan.  They are a method of escape.  A good book can take you places.  I can explore new lands or be taken to a certain time in history.  I can laugh and cry along with another person as they go on a personal journey.  When I feel overwhelmed with cultural differences, a book is a saving grace for me. 

After looking over the shelves, I picked out a classic - "Mary Poppins" by P. L. Travers.  I've always wanted to read the series.  They have three of the eight books.  Now I just need to find some quiet time to curl up with my book.