The Journey to My Literary Love:
How Books Became My World
From a young age, the magic of words captured my imagination. The process of learning to read unlocked a new universe, transforming mere symbols on a page into vivid stories that shaped my childhood and beyond. This blog post explores my personal journey of falling in love with reading, highlighting the moments and books that made me a lifelong reader.
The Spark of Curiosity:
As a child, I saw other people reading those symbols on the page, decoding meaning, and scribbling words that they said meant something, and I could not wait to read them myself. When first grade finally came, I learned to read in one month. My favorite word was ‘the’ because the t and the h worked together to make a unified sound, and the ‘e’ was rebellious, sounding like ‘uh’ instead of the short e in ‘bed’ or the long e in ‘me’. If any student pronounced the as ‘thee,’ I proudly corrected them. It’s ‘the’, pronounced like ‘th’ plus ‘uhh’. I sped through books during our summer reading programs.”
Discovering My First Book:
My first significant literary adventure was with Edward Eager’s “Knight’s Castle.” This book was more than just text; it was a gateway into a fantastical world where children, their toys, and their imaginations intertwined with historical adventures. This experience was transformative, setting the stage for a lifetime of reading.
The Influence of Visual and Audio Stimuli:
The impact of visual and audio adaptations of books during my childhood was profound. Notably, watching an animated version of “The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe” while recovering from chickenpox provided a temporary escape from discomfort and sparked a need to consume the entire Chronicles of Narnia series. Illustrated classics accompanied by cassette tapes further deepened my appreciation for stories, bringing characters like Sydney Carton and Phileas Fogg to life in a way that books alone could not.
Adventures in Literature:
My passion for reading was not limited to fantasy. I ventured into various genres, drawn to books with covers depicting adventure. Titles like “The Thorne Twins” by Dale Courtney satisfied my curiosity for mystery and exploration. Classics became a staple as well, from “Tale of Two Cities” to “Around the World in Eighty Days,” each offering new worlds to explore and adventures to experience.
The Endless Pursuit of Stories:
Reading became more than a pastime; it was a pursuit of knowledge and adventure. Whether it was the epic “War and Peace” or the thrilling escapades of “The Scarlet Pimpernel,” each book offered a new adventure, a new dream. The story of Sherlock Holmes was a significant milestone, marking a point where reading transformed from an activity to a vital part of my identity.
Looking back, each book not only offered an escape but also shaped my thinking and creativity. It’s no surprise that my own writing often explores the concept of a portal into the world of books—a theme inspired by a lifetime of literary exploration. Reading is not just a hobby; it’s a part of who I am, and it’s a passion I continue to cherish and explore.
Every book is a new journey, a new opportunity to learn and to imagine. As I continue to explore new stories, I am reminded of the power of reading to transform and enrich lives. Where will my next book take me? The possibilities are endless, and the journey is far from over.
