Several weeks ago, a falling book grabbed my attention. While working at my computer, a large bang startled me. I went into the office bedroom only to find that my Larousse French to English/English to French dictionary had fallen from the top shelf.

 It’s freaky because the hardback of approximately 1600 pages is heavy! How it could have worked itself off is a mystery. The book was lying cover-up with pages 274-275 of the English to French section against the floor.

 MEANING OF A FALLING BOOK

 Falling books are believed to have a spiritual meaning. According to Jim Kustelski:

When a book falls off a shelf, many believe it is not merely a coincidence but a sign from the universe. This phenomenon is often interpreted as divine intervention or synchronicity, indicating that the book holds significant information or guidance for the individual. The occurrence suggests that the universe exhibits benevolence by providing the right book at the right moment, reinforcing the idea of a connected and purposeful existence. Such an event can be seen as an invitation to explore the content of the fallen book more deeply, as it may contain answers or insights pertinent to one’s current life situation.

 Others also swear they are a divine intervention.

 Who knew?

 Some are convinced that ghosts are involved. Since spirits aren’t my thing, I’ll try to look for the message in the toppled tome.

 FALLING BOOK PAGES

 My first issue, is why the Larousse? I have many books on the shelf that are more interesting and might carry a hidden message. Take Mein Kampf, for instance. I haven’t read it, but with Hitler being evoked these days, perhaps it should be on my nightstand.

 The only cue I can take is from the words themselves. The first word of the two pages is gambler; the last is gather. Hmm.

 Gambler:  OK. This is a useful clue. I recently won First Place for Women’s Fiction in the 2024 Pencraft Awards. The awards ceremony is in Las Vegas. A sign I should attend! (I just love it when the spirits give my frugal self a nudge to spend money.)

 Gangrene:  I just wrote a scene where my character is attacked by a bear…I have him recovering, but maybe he needs to have his arm amputated because of gangrene. What do you think?

 Garbage:  I do not need a dictionary to remind me to take out the trash. Its aroma is the only nudge I need.

 Gangway:  A reminder to finish preparations for our family cruise over the Thanksgiving holiday.           

 Garment:  I’m writing about Georgia in the 1820s and have been unsuccessful in determining exactly what the clothing looks like. This must be a message to double down and look harder. If you know where to look, let me know.

 LAST THOUGHTS ON A FALLING BOOK

 While writing this, I picked up Mein Kampf and flipped it open. Here’s what I found:

 “It is of paramount interest to the state and the nation to prevent these people from falling into the hands of bad, ignorant, or even vicious educators. The state, therefore, has the duty of watching over their education and preventing any mischief. It must particularly exercise strict control over the press; for its influence on these people is by far the strongest and most penetrating, since it is applied, not once in a while, but over and over again. In the uniformity and constant repetition of this instruction lies its tremendous power. If anywhere, therefore, it is here that the state must not forget that all means must serve an end; it must not let itself be confused by the drivel about so-called ‘freedom of the press’ and let itself be talked into neglecting its duty and denying the nation the food which it needs and which is good for it; with ruthless determination it must make sure of this instrument of popular education, and place it in the service of the state and the nation.”

 The falling book has directed me to read this important work.

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