I think everyone has a book that is a special part of childhood, or one that hit home when you were a self-absorbed teen or young adult. One book that influenced you in some way, either emotionally or intellectually. Perhaps it was a character you identified with, or the situation that character found himself or herself in.
For me, as a child, I loved reading the works of Louisa May Alcott, "Little Women" in particular. I recall being stretched out on my bed one summer afternoon, tears running down my cheeks, when my mother came in to put away some laundry. "Oh," she said, "You must be at the part where Beth dies." In that case, it was the connection to my mother, through a book, that I recall so fondly. She read it too! A joy we could share. (I guess, though, it would have been awkward if I hadn't yet reached that part. What! Beth DIES????)
Later, as a college student, I was totally absorbed in the "Lord of the Rings" by Tolkien. Loved the scope, the MAJESTY of the story - but it was the author's use of language that stayed with me, even into my own fledgling writing career. The power of the written word, and its beauty ,stayed with me long after I had graduated to other things. What a gift, to be able to write in such a way, to move people with words.
Take a minute to recall the books that meant something special to you. And the point of all this is what? TO REDISCOVER THE REASONS WE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO READ. What better gift from a parent - to instill that love of reading in our children.
I'd love to hear from you. What were YOUR favorites?
Talk soon!