This may seem a bit odd, but my most cherished book is my 1960s paperback edition of
Roget's New Pocket Thesaurus, given to me when I was the sixth-grade spelling champion. My beloved teacher inscribed it: "May this help you to many more future successes!"
I still use it from time to time. It smells a little funky
, but it makes me smile.
I've donated almost all of my paper books to charity but haven't been able to part with that one—yet.