One of my favourite pastimes at Easter is the Rotary book sale.
Last Saturday morning my family and I made our way to the old Mount Action Centre eager to see what great books we could find and how many bargains we could get.
And we weren't disappointed.
I felt like a child in a candy store as I made my way to the fiction tables to hunt out my favourite authors, plastic bag in hand.
I couldn't believe my luck as I found books by some of my favourite authors that I had not read; authors such as James Patterson, Andrew Gross, Lynda La Plante, Tess Gerritsen, to name a few.
It wasn't long before my bag was nearly bursting - 13 books for $63. My daughter, with help from my wife, also snapped up bargains, collecting 25 books for $10.
The three-day book sale, from my experience, was well organised.
All the tables were clearly marked and there was plenty of variety, and the volunteer helpers were friendly and efficient.
The Tauranga Rotary Club sold at least 40,000 items including books, magazines, CDs, DVDs and sheet music.
The thing I like about this sale is the club puts the money raised towards local and international charities, including St John Ambulance and the Vanuatu relief fund.
The club relies on the goodwill of the public who donate books at participating service stations.
I simply love reading novels.
There are few things more relaxing than kicking back with a good novel - outside on a sunny day or inside on a rainy day.
It transports me from reality. It's relaxing.
I've long been an avid reader and my daughter has followed suit, burying her nose in books every day.
Reading is so important. It's vital we encourage the next generation to become good readers.
I know some people like to read books on their phones or tablets, but nothing beats the emotional investment of a real book you can hold in your hands.