People have often told me that one of their strongest childhood memories is the scent of their grandmother's house. I never knew my grandmothers, but I could always count of the Bookmobile.

I even love the smell of books.

I loved to read, still do, and it seemed that the writing was a result of the love of books and reading and libraries.

I fell in love with reading when I was allowed to choose whatever books I wanted to check out of the library.

But the most precious research to me came from the paperwork filed on behalf of my grandparents and great-grandfather. The ship's manifest showed that they could read and write. I am still emotional when I look at those boxes checked yes.

If there is one thing I hope my books do always and forever, it's that they honor working people.