Not until later in my life did I realise that I retreat in a book. That I collect books, exchange books, borrow them, lend them and in general love them. They may open windows to parts of life that I have not explored yet or extend my knowledge just at the right time.They may inspire me to take on an adventure or console me in my grief. Books are colourful spines in a wooden bookcase, a single inviting item on a table or a pile of promise from the library. Books are stability in an earthquake and joy in dark times. And now they also are a crossing.