Hello all

[Erik]

I've never been overly good at these introductory overtures, but will do my best..

My name is Erik, and I've been an inveterate bibliophile since early childhood, when health problems kept me indoors most of the time. I'm 54, and I live in a suburb of Paris, Versailles. I am single, a bit of a workaholic, and I find that books now give me 'mini-vacations' away from the stresses of work.

Books and music vie for the top place in my list of preferred entertainments. I'll read almost anything, but I prefer books that are slightly off-beat, challenging, thought-provoking. My current favourites are Tom Robbins, Christopher Moore, Neil Gaiman, Tom Wolfe, Terry Pratchett, P. G. Wodehouse, Minette Walters, Barbara Vine/Ruth Rendell... though this list tends to be extremely mutable and prone to expansion.

I am not overly socially-motivated IRL, but I do like to chat online. If you would like to chat, I am on AIM.

It is a chilly, overcast evening... a perfect evening to spend with a book.
E.

[Nikkieliz B]

Hello Erik, I can relate to being kept indoors due to health problems although I'm sure that our experiences both greatly differ. Still, the common ground in both our situations is that books became a sort of refuge. I apologize if that's a bit presumptuous. Anyways, I look forward to exploring the works of your favorite authors--who are in turn new to me.

Best wishes,
Nicole B.

[gali]

Welcome and enjoy!

[rssllue]

Enjoy your time on the forums, Erik!

Happy reading!

[bookowlie]

Hi Erik and welcome to the neighborhood.

[Jennifer Allsbrook]

Welcome Erik. Paris is a place I would love to visit! Enjoy the group and your next "mini-vacation"

[Kourtney Bradley]

Welcome! Hope you enjoy it here!

[Erik]

Thank you all for the welcome!
Nicole - Not presumptuous at all. I suspect a lot of sickly children become bookworms, driven to the escape of books out of boredom, out of a desire for a break from a body that refuses to cooperate, out of a need to feel 'normal', if only for a little while at a time. As a kid, books gave me a freedom that was otherwise forbidden me, and allowed me to see what others' lives were like, which was about as social as I was able to get for many years.
Jennifer - Paris is a grand city... I believe that everyone ought to see it at least once in their lifetime... but I may be just a wee bit biased. That said, I've travelled a lot, and have lived in a few very interesting places.. but Paris keeps drawing me back.

[rssllue]

You are quite welcome!