“In my library, the books that mean most to me are the ones that made a decisive impact on my development, the ones I can remember reading in a certain time and place, with joy and discovery.” ~ author James Wood

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By whisperinglion:

Three books come to mind as having made a decisive impact on my early development.  With my dyslexia, it was major work to read — most especially lengthy tomes.  To me, I was taking on challenges by picking up these books and “getting through them.”  When done, I felt proud of myself and mature.

Through the Looking Glass, and What Alice Found There — Lewis Carroll [link]

I was probably in the first grade when I chose this book from our family book shelves because of its creative illustrations.  I didn’t really understand parts of the text, for I’d never read the first book (Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland).  This was before I realized writers often write stories across multiple books.  (heh)  Plus, several words were unknown to me, and the dictionary didn’t always help.  I do remember the imagery that came to mind while I was reading, and I loved how unusual it was.  It made me realize that imaginative worlds appeal to people of all ages.

The Old Man and the Sea — Ernest Hemingway [link]

This was a challenge I gave myself when I was probably 8 or 9.  I’d found it in a cupboard of our family camper, and I remember choosing to read it because I’d been so proud of myself for getting through the last big book.  This one I actually understood and enjoyed.  Just a man and nature.  I liked that. 

Walden — Henry David Thoreau [link]

I don’t recall where I came across this book, but the “when” was not long after finishing The Old Man and the Sea.  At times, I am tempted to think this book and Hemingway’s had much to do with the shaping of my personality.  However, I think the reality is that I was drawn to such books of “solitude in nature” because of my personality and interests.  There’s a reason why those who knew me figured I’d go live off the land and “be a hermit” once I graduated high school.  (grin)  These books gave me the sense that there are other humans in the world with a quiet love of being alone in the wilderness — exploring, discovering, and pondering.

Other books of note:  a big dictionary and two encyclopedia sets.  I read them, as most would read a novel.  Much of my childhood and adolescent reading was of nonfiction books.