Book excerpt: Literary habits naturally give way to literary affections. Once upon a time, a carpenter entered a forest and happened upon a wolf wearing a feathered cap. Quick -- whose side are you on? If you don't know, we suggest reading a hearty round of fairytales. Stories provide a roadmap for life. This is because stories are life. But oftentimes it's easiest to understand where we are when we can look through other eyes -- from the perspective of someone else, living somewhere else, somewhen else. For those beginning to read for the first time or those beginning to read again, The Book Tree will drop golden apples in your lap, until you can climb high enough to pick for yourself.