When did you fall in love with reading? For me, it happened when I was as little as three or four years old. It was always, “just one more book” before bedtime. Soon, once I started reading on my own, that turned into, “just one more chapter.” I remember getting lost for hours in Nancy Drew books, barely aware of the outside world. I would hold up in my room and block everyone and everything out. I have memories of sitting on the couch reading for hours until I had finished whatever book I was reading at the time (this first happened when I started reading the “Harry Potter” series).
Later on, I then went through a time of not wanting to read. I’m not quite sure why. Maybe it wasn’t cool anymore, maybe my active imagination was in full swing, and I cared only for the stories in my head. But when this happened, my mom implemented a rule: 30 minutes of reading, every day. So, when she sent me to my room on the first day of this dreaded rule, I sat down, annoyed at my mother for making me stay inside and read (I would’ve much preferred being outside). I begrudgingly started reading the book I had just got from the library, “Bridge to Terabithia,” and just like that, I was lost in a book again.
The books that cause us to fall in love with reading are a profoundly special thing. Below are some (keyword, some) of the books that ignited my love for reading (in no particular order). Please share at least one book that ignited your love for reading in the comments below!
Beatrix Potter
These are such classics, and I can't wait to read them to my children. Beatrix Potter's beloved children's literature series, primarily authored and illustrated by her, features charming stories and whimsical illustrations with anthropomorphic animal characters, the most popular of them being Peter Rabbit. Set in the English countryside, these tales are characterized by humor, moral lessons, and nature.
A Light in the Attic by, Shel Silverstein
I have a memory of receiving this for Christmas one year and I was hooked. These are some of the only poems I liked for the longest time, and they made me want to be a poet (for a very brief period). "A Light in the Attic," published in 1981, is a collection of whimsical and imaginative poetry by renowned author and illustrator Shel Silverstein, originally aimed at children but equally enjoyed by adults. The book's playful language, clever wordplay, and unconventional themes explore various aspects of life, from everyday topics to the fantastical, touching on friendship, family, dreams, and life's absurdities. Bridge to Terabithia by, Katherine Paterson
"Bridge to Terabithia," the book that reignited my love for reading, is a novel by Katherine Paterson, centered on the friendship between fifth-grade children Leslie Burke and Jesse Aarons. They create an imaginative kingdom, Terabithia, to escape real-life challenges. A tragic event transforms Jesse, leading him to confront emotions, learn life lessons, and understand the power of imagination. This book resonated with me in many ways, and I really relate to the way the two kids coped by using their imagination.
Nancy Drew by, Carolyn Keene
"Nancy Drew," a beloved series of cozy mystery novels for young readers, features the adventures of the resourceful teenage detective Nancy Drew in her hometown of River Heights. Alongside her friends Bess, George, and sometimes her boyfriend Ned Nickerson, Nancy uses her intellect and bravery to solve a variety of captivating cases.
The Narnia series by C.S. Lewis
C.S. Lewis's Narnia series is a Christian allegory. It consists of seven books that introduce readers to a world filled with talking animals and many great adventures. The series features a battle between good and evil, with the noble lion, Aslan (who representing Jesus) who acts as a guide. I love these stories because in many ways Christian themes are present. I also just enjoy C.S. Lewis’s writing as a whole.
Across Five Aprils by, Irene Hunt
This was a book I funnily enough read for school. It was another case of me begrudgingly reading something and falling in love with it. "Across Five Aprils," written by Irene Hunt, is a historical novel set during the American Civil War. The story follows a young boy named Jethro Creighton as he navigates the challenges and changes brought about by the war in his rural Illinois hometown. Jethro's family is divided by differing views on the conflict, with some supporting the Union and others sympathizing with the Confederacy. As Jethro grows up amidst the turmoil of war, he grapples with complex issues of loyalty, loss, and the impact of war on his family and community. The novel provides an accurate portrayal of the human experiences and the effects of a divided nation during this crucial period in American history.
And finally, Harry Potter by, J.K. Rowling
As a preteen and teen, I read each of these books six times. I was hooked from page one of “Sorcerer's Stone.” The "Harry Potter" series by J.K. Rowling consists of seven books and it revolves around the life and adventures of a young wizard named Harry Potter. The story begins when Harry, an orphan living with his cruel aunt and uncle, learns on his eleventh birthday that he is a wizard with a destiny intertwined with the magical world. He is invited to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where he experiences many adventures, most, if not all of them, include brushes with death. The series explores themes of courage, friendship, love, good vs. evil, and the journey from childhood to adulthood.
Honorable mentions (Books I have discussed before)
Little Women by, Louisa May Alcott
Little House on the Prairie by, Laura Ingles Wilder
. . . Questions What book ignited your love for your reading? How old were you? Share your reading journey below!
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