There are 29 days in February this year. It is nice to have an extra day to read. Especially since we have gallons of new books.

My parents planned last fall to move their bedroom from upstairs to downstairs, into what was then the library. In doing so, they needed a new home for their impressive book collection.

Dad says Gary and I were the natural choice, since we have room at our house. I thought it was because I was their favorite. Dad thought for a moment and then repeated that we were the natural choice, since we have room at our house.

Well, I’m not sure we had the room, but we found a way:

The U-Haul pod arrived earlier this month, packed with 40 boxes, each marked “6 gallons.” Not sure books have been measured in such a liquid-y way before, but 240 gallons of books it is.

I managed to squeeze in one of them as I completed my four books for February:

Week 1: 26 Fairmont Avenue by Tomie DePaola

Something very endearing about Mom is how she treasured her books. By that I mean so much more than just saving them on a shelf after reading. She often tucked in a magazine or newspaper article about the book and author, plus at least one bookmark.

Two articles fell from between the pages of this book, one from the New York Times and the second from the local weekly, with details about a book signing.

Sure enough, this copy is signed by the author.

As I flipped through each new book while unpacking them, this one caught my eye: the first chapter is about the Great New England Hurricane of 1938.

What are the chances? Dad had just told me about that deadly storm the previous week.

This is a children’s chapter book about the year-long process of building the family’s house in Meriden, Connecticut, during the late 1930s. It’s a sweet study of the author’s extended family, first day of school, the house-building process, and more.

Week 2: Becoming Lincoln by Richard Kigel

It’s February, so there was no excuse not to read about Abraham Lincoln.

Mr. Lincoln grew up just 15 minutes from our home here in southern Indiana. And this biography digs into those 14 boyhood years.

Following the presidential assassination in 1865, Lincoln’s former law partner, William Herndon, scoured Abraham’s former neighborhoods to interview friends, neighbors, and relatives. He preserved precious history.

A number of these conversations, plus lots of additional research, make up this interesting book. Starting with his grandparents’ backgrounds, the story of Lincoln’s roots stretch from Kentucky to Indiana to Illinois.

It’s no secret that Abraham (“Abe” was just used for campaign slogans) had a rough childhood. The great struggles and sorrows outlined in this book prepared him for the presidency and the War Between the States. It’s achingly clear, though, they took their toll on this sensitive young man.

Week 3: The Sociopath Next Door by Martha Stout, PhD

I’ve had this book for a while. A number of years ago, a (temporary, thankfully) new boss stirred the staff up into a frenzy.

A co-worker suggested this book as a form of mental armament:

Yes, it was a “fit.” So much so that I put the book down after a few chapters. It was just too chilling.

Now that I’ve gone back and finished The Sociopath Next Door, I definitely recommend it to all who work with difficult individuals. Since four percent of Americans are believed to be ruthless sociopaths devoid of empathy or conscience, it’s important to understand how to deal with them and protect yourself.

Week 4: Catch Me If You Can by Frank Abagnale

Have you seen the movie (with Leonardo DiCaprio)? If not, read the book first.

This romp is a fascinating work of non-fiction. Author Frank Abagnale launched into his life of fakery while still a teenager. He had incredible nerve and figured out, bit by bit, how to get away with fraud.

For example: He got away with claiming to be an airline pilot, a college professor, and a doctor. It’s madness. This is quite a page turner; you’ll wonder increasingly if Frank ever got caught.

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Tip: We’ve moved gallons to new homes

With gallons upon gallons of new books added to our collection, we’ve recently sent some of our my older one-and-done volumes on to new homes.

In case you’re in the same boat someday, be sure to ask first before donating to, say, St. Vincent de Paul. Personnel at our local drop-off station told Gary “we hate books.” That nearly broke his heart.

We’ve since offered gallons of books to our local libraries, who greet Gary with a welcoming smile. (Although I wish the librarian in Ferdinand hadn’t tempted him with the news that they host a monthly used-book sale. I may need to hide his keys!)

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