Thank you again, Lydia, Laura, Danyelle, for inviting me to join the Sisterhood!
And my apologies to all my readers for disappearing – NaNo and holiday preparations are eating my lunch.
What was your favorite childhood book and why? (Is it still on your bookshelf?)
I have many favorite childhood books – I was a prolific reader early on – but the book I most clearly remember discovering was Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle.
I must have been eleven the day I explored my grammar school’s library, a cramped, windowless room in the basement. I was desperate for something new to read when this odd book fell into my hands and changed my life. I’d never read anything like it! It was a fascinating story filled with science and fantasy, bizarre adults and strong parents who still needed their children’s help. It made me feel both empowered and overwhelmed.
That book sent me on a lifelong search for great science fiction and fantasy. Contemporary novels simply didn’t hold the strength of speculative fiction.
At some point I went out and bought my own copy (I didn’t steal it from the library; today I checked the inside to make sure). I still reread it every ten or fifteen years, and each time it impresses me differently. This book is truly a classic!
What is your favorite childhood book?
Hi Deb!!!!! *waves*
ReplyDeleteIsn't it wonderful to find a totally-awesome-the-story-stays-with-you-forever book??? I grew up on sci/fi and fantasy too and I agree, contemporary just doesn't hold the same fascination. ;)
Heya Deb!
ReplyDeleteWIT is one of my all time favorite kid books. I mean, I knew we weren't friends for nothing! ha ha.
I think the opening chapter is one of my favorite. They're all eating sandwiches in the kitchen and the reader learns about everything--the characters, the conflicts, the mysterious Mrs. Which, I think it is.
I could talk all day about this book!
Hi Laura! *waves back*
ReplyDeleteHeya Lydia! Three cheers for WIT! ;-)
My favourite book as a child was Barny Beagle Goes Camping. Apparently my mother read it to me so often that I eventually memorized it. Today my favourite is Three Golden Keys by Peter Sis. It is just so beautifully illustrated that is sweeps me away.
ReplyDeleteI shall have to check out Wrinkle in Time. Good luck with NANO!
Reading...um...didn't happen in my household. It wasn't until I got my hands on It by Stephen King that I was drawn into books and the realm of fantasy. Kinda morbid, I know. After a whole lot of therapy, I'm good to go. LOL.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Hi Sophia! I haven't read those. I need to look for them.
ReplyDeleteHeya, Elizabeth. How sad reading wasn't part of your childhood. I'm glad you discovered it, and discovered writing, too!
*confession time*
ReplyDeleteI have never read 'A Wrinkle In Time'
But I have it now, so I will read it!
Angela @ The Bookshelf Muse
Hi Angela! I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. :-)
ReplyDeleteHi, Deb! My absolute favorite childhood book was Little Women. I recently reread it and found it as enthralling as ever. I'm sure that book is one reason I always wanted to be a writer.
ReplyDeleteBTW, thanks for being a Seekerville follower!
Hi Myra! I adore Little Women! That's a great choice.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by. :-)
The Outsiders and James and the Giant Peach. To this day The Outsiders is one of my favorite novels.
ReplyDeleteHi Charli! I managed to miss both of those. I'll add them to my watch-for list.
ReplyDelete