“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.
