who wrote the book of love

Out of the blue (probably because tomorrow’s Valentine’s Day), this Golden Oldie popped into my head:

I wonder wonder who, oouu who 
Who wrote the book of love

Tell me, tell me, tell me
Oh who wrote the book of love

I’ve got to know the answer
Was it someone from above

I wonder wonder who, be-do-do who
Who wrote the book of love?

The first time I heard this song, I was sweltering in the crowded back seat of my family’s Bel Air, headed down an endless ribbon of highway to yet another Revival. Afraid to break the Eleventh Commandment (“Children should be seen and not heard!”), my much-older siblings whispered the words. 

My father’s radar ears picked up the lyrics. He spoke into the rear view mirror. 

“God’s the author of The Book of Love,” he said, emphasizing the definitive article.

I’m far less certain than my father, but definitely more kumbaya in my own answer. I say each of us is commissioned to write our own Book of Love, and that we’re co-authors of a multi-volume set. Some people pen poetry; others of us write prose. Some prefer private journaling, while others like writing for an audience. Regardless, our stories come from our hearts. 

I wonder…All you book lovers out there, how would you answer this question?

The Monotones sing Who Wrote the Book of Love (via YouTube)