I've told this story to many people, so I thought I'd put it out there for everyone that hasn't heard it.
I love reading. I used to sit next to my mom when I was little while she read me Little Golden Books, but I wasn't in love with books. Until third grade.
When I started third grade I had a small older lady who was my teacher. Except for her size and the grey bun on her head, I don't really remember anything about her. She left within a week or so and I found out later that she died. Our substitute was a young teacher (possibly fresh out of college - that young)named Mr. Thomas. He initiated a new thing into our daily schedule. Once our lunch recess was over, we would rest our flushed-from-recess cheeks in our hands and have quiet time while he read to us. It would only be a chapter or two a day, but it was the highlight of my day.
It started with The Wizard of Oz. I was mesmerized. I was right with them as they traveled the yellow brick road and into the Emerald City. It was then that I learned that I could travel to amazing places within the pages of a book. I was captivated. We finished that book and Tom Sawyer before the year ended. This jump-start was all I needed. I was hooked on books for life.
Thank you Mr. Thomas.
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Like that, touching story. Can't say that anyone was inspiration for me, just that the love of books comes natural. I am reading a book called The Secrets of Becoming a Late Bloomer and I feel like the book is my friend at this point in life.
ReplyDeleteMy current read is The City & The City by Chine Mieville. It's a totally freaky story about 2 cities that inhabit the same space . . . and, of course, murder.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little behind in my reading blog - not in the reading part, just the blogging part.
Oops - China Mieville.
ReplyDeleteDon't remember the last time I read fiction. I need a lot of self improvement an am getting that through specific books. I have learned a lot through autobiographies, as well. I think I am ready for a good funny book.
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