I consider myself an Amazonian kind of gal. No, I’m not tall and I don’t have splendidly toned muscles, nor do I like to fight.

I’m referring to that superstore of the Internet, of course – Amazon.com.

Books, all sorts of books, new and used (and discounted!) emit the siren call that draws me to Amazon on a regular basis.

It’s hard to remember a time I didn’t love books.

Poor Mama ended up being coaxed on more than one occasion into buying me one of the &uot;Golden&uot; storybooks placed so temptingly along the aisles in the Piggly Wiggly.

I wore my two older sisters out by having them read my favorite stories to me over and over (I had a particular mania for one about a squirrel named Miss Suzie and her adopted home, a dollhouse).

I am sure they were highly relieved when I finally went to school and learned how to decipher those mysterious symbols for myself. Once I did, I certainly never looked back.

I was the kind of kid who always seemed to have a book with her. When I didn’t have an as-yet unread novel on hand, I would simply drag out one of the World Books (I loved the articles and illustrations on dolls, animals and Indians in particular).

Even on those jolting, hour-long, twice-a-day bus journeys, I usually had my nose in a book (little wonder I needed glasses by the second grade). I suppose I was the epitome of the quiet, bespectacled bookworm who seemed to live in the world of books as much as, perhaps even more, than she did in the &uot;real&uot; one.

I can’t say I regret a moment of it, though. And so, my book obsession continues, along with my visits to Amazon.

Not that I don’t enjoy the actual bookstore experience. I would love to be able to visit a cozy spot right here in Greenville, with a resident cat curled up and sleeping in the front window. I imagine a pleasant place with a few comfortable, shabby old chairs scattered about, the scent of freshly brewed coffee lingering in the air and a friendly, knowledgeable bookseller to chat with as I browse the shelves. To me, that sounds like a little piece of heaven.

Lacking such a place, I go to Amazon to find books I consider &uot;keepers&uot; –

classic novels, favorite children’s books, history books, reference books of all sorts, cookbooks, inspirational works, books to give as gifts.

There are so many books but, alas, so little money and space.

As for time, I will always find the time to read. Bibliomaniacs always do.

Angie Long is a Lifestyles writer and columnist for The Greenville Advocate. She may be contacted at home by phone at 382-5145 or (best bet!) by e-mail at angie.long@greenvilleadvocate.com