After my week + of AAUW Book Sale frenzy I happily whiled away some hours doing one of my favorite activities–reading. Chris was gone, the house was quiet, there was nothing that HAD to be done, the dock was ready, so I read and did not feel one ounce of guilt.
The book I was reading was one that I had wanted to read for some time. I even had it on hold at the library but when it was available I was not. Hate when that happens. But wonder of all wonders – I managed to find a copy at the fabulous book sale and took it home eagerly.
So I dove into The Paris Library by Janet Skeslien Charles – a story based on the true story of the heroic librarians at the American Library in Paris during World War II. I absolutely loved it and even though I seem to have read quite a few books about WWII in the past couple of years this was another one to love.
There are quite a few quotable quotes found in the book, it is one I will reread one day, but there was one passage that stuck with me especially.

When he steps outside, he can’t see six centimeters in front of him. He holds on to the clothesline to make it to the barn. Inside, Ma holds her breath, waiting. When I took the novel, Professor Cohen covered my hands with her own. ‘We can’t see what’s coming. All we can do is hold the line.'”
The Paris Library – Janet Skeslien Charles
Oh how I love that imagery. How true is it that we just can’t see what is ahead? All we can do is hold the line.
Stand fast.
Be strong.
Of course there have been times when I have wished I knew what was ahead. We have been planning. my mother’s Celebration of Life in September and a lot of what I have thought about has centered around the idea of what if I had known ahead of time about her dementia and decline. But honestly, I would not have changed much at all. I might have understood earlier what was going on but it would not have changed a lot for me.
I think I am more of the type who just wants to “hold the line” come what may and get on the other side. Not all things are something to dread, are they? There are plenty of joys and happiness to share as well.
How about you? Do you have times when you simply “hold the line” and wait? I would love to hear your reaction to this phrase in the comments. Remember to Comment for a Cause for Ohio Northern University – my mom’s alma mater.
Oh and that book sale? Highly successful and in fact – the most successful one in the history of the annual book sale. Books are definitely not dead as some pontificate. Thank goodness.
13 Comments
Leave a comment“Hold the line” is a good example of how to stay in the present. Especially when we know you made the line snd who has anchored each end. Good post- especially for mid-week. Re: WW2 books- I’m not letting myself read any more for a while. I have read & reviewed sooo many.
I know what you mean about the WWII books. I say I am not a history lover but I certainly have enjoyed a lot of books with historical themes lately. Thanks for your comment, as always. You make my day with your comments. 🙂
I need to read more on the dock.
Would love to read that book if it becomes available.
You know I love reading on the dock! You are welcome to borrow my copy! Setting it aside for you!
First I need a dock, I’m missing our AL place this summer. Too much covid to go down. Anyway, yes I think most of the time I’m just trying to hold the line. Right now with Katie, and of course with covid.
I feel like as mothers, a lot of us try to hold the line often throughout our children’s childhoods and then it continues throughout life. Congrats on a successful book sale!
Yes!! That is very true!!! Btw— loved your last newsletter. ❤️
So pleased the book sales was so successful! I tend to just hold the line as well. This book is o my TBR list also. Glad you enjoyed it. Now I am off to read in the pool. (Reading The Last Runaway by Tracey Chevalier, it´s very good.)
Ooh–that sounds really good! I may have to look it up!
I appreciate your message today, which fits with my morning devotionals. Trust, patience, reliance on God…all centered the words I read in Scripture and then the devotions.
That book will be added to my list. Thank you for the recommendation. That Laura Ingalls Wilder reference definitely makes me want to read this title.
Glad you liked my post today. Sometimes the ones that come to me quickly are the best ones, you know? It is a nice book —I had such a good time reading it.
What a perfect place to read this time of year. On the dock. Peaceful & calm. I certainly agree in life to hold the line. One day at a time with our Lord.
You wrote exactly what I believe, Shirley. Thank you so much for reading so faithfully.