A Memory Meme

Kate over at Kate's Book Blog has created her own delightful meme, and I'm going to try and answer her questions as best I can. She remembers much more than I do in regards to childhood reading habits, and I urge you to read her answers, which are much more in depth and interesting than mine! But anyway, here goes:

1. How old were you when you learned to read and who taught you?
I honestly don't know the exact answer to this. I know for a fact that I could read before I got to kindergarten, but the exact age escapes me. Definitely before the age of five, that's for sure. My mother insists that she read to me, but much to her displeasure, I have no memory of this. I do know that learning to read was no problem at all. But I simply cannot remember a specific period of time when I went from not being able to read, to suddenly understanding all the letters in front of me. It's just always been there for me, like being able to breathe.

2. Did you own any books as a child? If so, what’s the first one that you remember owning? If not, do you recall any of the first titles that you borrowed from the library?
We had quite a few books as kids. Collections of Mother Goose tales and some pretty scary fairy tales (The Little Match Girl really creeped me out as a kid), but one book that really stands out in my memory is The Big Jump by Benjamin Elkin. I think I loved the illustrations more than the story, though. The book got lost over the years, and about ten years ago I saw a copy in a used book store and snatched it up quick!

Another book (or really, set of books) which I remember strongly was Maurice Sendak's Nutshell Library. I've written about these books before, and how magical and precious they were and still are to me. I still own my original set (except one book is missing – sob!), plus I bought a new set as well. One thing I never told my mom – the Christmas that she bought me this set, I accidently came upon the gift (well, while snooping in her closet, ok?) before it was wrapped. So I knew I was getting those books for Christmas, and couldn't wait to unwrap that present! I felt a little guilty for being so sneaky, but I got over it soon enough!

3. What’s the first book that you bought with your own money?
Ooooo...that's a good question! You know what? I think I was really spoiled when it came to books. I didn't buy books as a kid with my own money, because either my mom bought plenty for me for Christmas and birthdays, or also through those reading programs in grade school when you got to order books from a catalogue. I'm pretty sure I got my parents to pay for those books, too. Let's face it: I spent a lot of my allowance on...sigh...candy. What can I say? I was a shy chubby kid who ate and read a lot. And also, my mom really did have an amazing collection of paperbacks in our basement library, so I really didn't need to buy anything for a long time. Wait a minute...it's coming to me! I know I bought Rilla of Ingleside, because for whatever reason, I couldn't get the last book from the Anne of Green Gables series from the library.  

4. Were you a re-reader as a child? If so, which book did you re-read most often?
Without a doubt, I re-read everything I could find that was written by L.M. Montgomery over, and over again. That woman bewitched me as a child, god bless her.

5. What’s the first adult book that captured your interest and how old were you when you read it?
I read Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier. I think I was about twelve. It was one of the many wonderful paperbacks I discovered in my mother's basement library. Boy did that book ever give me the chills. Last night I dreamt I went to Manderley again. What an amazing first line. I just ate that book up.

6. Are there children’s books that you passed by as a child that you have learned to love as an adult?  Which ones?
Hmmm...there are children's books which I still haven't read, but sadly I have yet to explore them. I do keep hearing great things about Harry Potter (especially from my mother, of all people), so I imagine that I will get to those eventually. I'd like to read Mary Poppins. And I must confess, that I've never read a Nancy Drew book. Not sure I ever will. When I was a kid I had a friend who just adored those books, and when she told me about them, I was not impressed. Oh and I'd love to read I Capture the Castle.

So anyone else want to answer these questions? I'm curious, and I know Kate is, too!

Comments

[Shelly]

Y'know, I really can't remember enough to answer these. hmmm....

I don't remember when I started reading. Might've been when we were taught in first grade, maybe earlier. I do know I always read 2-3 grades minimum above grade level, but I honestly can't recall my pre-reading era. I did write my first story in 1st grade. :)

First book with my own money was probably a comic book!

I reread my mystery series books (Nancy Drew et al) over and over. I also reread my comics.

I was reading adult books since I was 8 or so, and don't recall which was the first, but probably an Agatha Christie. I read Rebecca, too, back then. I read Jane Eyre when I was 10 or 11, and James Bond, starting when I was 11.

I don't know that I've read children's books as an adult that I didn't as a child, tho there might be some.

[R J Keefe]

Here's my strong vote for reading "I Capture the Castle." Written for young adults, perhaps, but with plenty of space for the old adult imagination.

[Zachary Houle]

Man, if you have to read *one* children's book, c'est Daniel Pinkwater's 1982 classic "The Snarkout Boys and the Avocado of Death." It's like a memoir of growing up in 1950s Chicago couched in a children's book.

It's brilliant. It was published as part of his "5 Novels" omnibus about a decade ago. You can probably find it in the library.

[Kate S.]

I somehow missed "I Capture the Castle" in my childhood as well and I absolutely loved it when I finally discovered it as an adult. I enthusiastically second R.J.'s recommendation of it!

[cipriano]

The last question of your meme made me realize that I only read The Chronicles of Narnia [twice] as an adult.

[GEL]

Oh, what a delightful meme! Perfect for bibliophiles. This was so enjoyable to read about you and the commenters.
I came here from BlogLily's site. I'm new to wordpress and haven't figured out how to move my blog archives from another site yet. At least I know how to find you again. :)