Revisiting one of my favorite blog posts from the past.... Enjoy!
The first book I ever loved...
When I saw this writing prompt, my first instinct was to break out into
hives. That's my usual response to questions which concern my favorite
book or anything along those lines. I love books. I have many books I
love. And many authors I enjoy reading. I don't think I could ever
pick just one "favorite".
As far back as I can remember I have loved books.
I learned to write my own name for the sole purpose of being able to get
my very own library card. The librarian told me I had to be able to
write my name on the card before I could have my own. So I went home
and harassed my parents into teaching how to print those two words would
would entitle me to the treasure I wanted so badly.
In the days when kindergarten was optional and learning didn't really
start until first grade, I begged and pleaded with my kindergarten
teacher to teach me to read. Finally, she consented and sent home first
readers for me to master. I still remember feeling quite pleased with
myself over learning to read the word "straw" in the Three Little Pigs.
Hey... it's a hard word when you are 5 and just learning!
My mind wandered back over my years of reading love. The initial
knee-jerk reaction to the prompt began to fade and I realized that it
wasn't as bad as the ol' "what's your favorite" question. This wasn't a
matter of choosing one book over another. I had only to wander down my
memory lane of literary enjoyment and find the book that first captured
my imagination.
I think of hours spent with
Nancy Drew solving mysteries.
Days in covered wagons, settling the open prairies with
Laura Ingalls Wilder.
Escapades and antics lived vicariously through
Ramona Quimby.
Tears shed over a little runt pig... "some pig"... and the loss of a loving barn
spider who lived in the corner of his doorway.
Through all the stories and all the fictional friends - one keeps
pushing to the front of the line. The first book I remember completely
enthralling me. The first story that made me want to crawl into the
pages and be with the character. The first book to take me completely
outside anything I knew and introduce me to a world very very different
from my own. The first book I read over and over and over again.
The Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell.
I must have been in about 4th grade when I first came across this book.
Even after all these years; just seeing the name written and thinking
about the story, makes me want to pick the book up and read it again.
Would I still feel the same about this story based on the real life
"Lost Woman of San Nicolas"
if I read the book today? Would I still be amazed at her strength,
courage, and self-sufficiency? Would the love still be there? I like
to think so. I may even put it to the test.
So tell me, what was the first book you ever loved?
Originally posted on September 8, 2012: http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com/2012/09/literary-love.html
