The first volume of The Book of the Thousand Nights and One Night is in my hands again. I have been eyeing it for a few weeks, but today I picked it up. And I held it close to my chest. If the dark and cold persist a while longer, I am sure to start reading it one more time. From cover to cover, as always. Last winter was so mild, I completely forgot about my favorite winter reading, but things may be different this time around. So far, all the signs suggest dark and cold days galore. Although I am far from happy about a harsh winter, the four volumes in my library beckon quite invitingly. Yes, I keep telling myself, my love of this book is strong enough to defeat any winter.