Some of my earliest memories are of my mom reading to us—my sisters, brother, Dad, and I would get comfortable in the living room while Mom read “Anne of Green Gables” to us. I’d lie on my stomach and close my eyes and listen to her read. I was transported into the wonderful world of Avonlea, where roads were red, people were “kindred spirits,” and puffed sleeves were the stuff of dreams. But then bedtime came, and Mom would put the book away on the coffee table shelf. I’d lie in bed and wonder what would happen next to Anne. One night, I got out of bed and went and looked at the book. I wanted so badly to read it—but the words might as well have been hieroglyphics, since I was only four and couldn’t read yet. I went back to bed, sorely disappointed. But just as I began to drop off to sleep, a thought occurred to me—if I learned to read, I could always find out what happened next and I wouldn’t have to wait for Mom to read it to us! This thought thrilled me, and I’m sure I went to sleep that night with a smile on my face.
I started teaching myself to read by looking at my older sisters’ books. I’d heard them read out loud so many times that I had them memorized, so I could match the words to what I knew they sounded like. And then, one glorious, unforgettable night, I snuck out to the living room when everyone was asleep. I opened “Anne of Green Gables” and, though I didn’t know all of the words, I could figure out enough of them to read from where Mom had left off. And that night, I went to sleep feeling like I had the keys to a wondrous new kingdom.
Books became my new best friends. The first books I remember reading were “The Happy Hollister” series. The library had almost all of them, and I read every single one. I loved trying to solve the mysteries. I don’t remember much about my days in kindergarten, but I do remember wanting so much just to get back home so I could rejoin the Hollisters. Then my mom introduced me to Trixie Belden—I spent a whole summer reading about Trixie. I marveled at the way mysteries always found their way to her door. After Trixie, I discovered the Cherry Ames books about a pretty nurse with rosy cheeks who had all kinds of adventures, usually with handsome doctors.
Reading saved me again and again as a child. I didn’t have friends at school, but I didn’t mind. I knew that as soon as I got home, I could open a book and retreat to a world where there were other girls like me—girls who were different, girls who valued books more than boys, girls who were writers, detectives, nurses, even pioneers. The summer that I discovered the Betsy-Tacy series was one of the best summers of my life. When my little brother was busy with his own friends, and I didn’t have anyone to play kick-the-can with or go swimming with, I had Betsy and Tacy and their friends to read about. And then there were those wonderful times when my brother would be in one of his rare cooperative moods, and I’d get to read to him—“Farmer Boy,” “Cowboy Sam”—anything with a male hero. Sharing my love for books with him was almost as fun as reading them myself.
Books have always been my friends and my transport to all kinds of different places. Books are my comfort, my distraction, and very often, my medicine. How grateful I am for Mom reading to us all those years ago. My life has been so much the richer for it.
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Books have always been my best friends. I learned to read at 5 years, by oil lamp, my mom would walk to the library and get books for us. My mom and dad always read a lot, being an only child I did not have anyone to play with so I read, At 86 I still find time to read everyday.. My dad said ” a person that does not read, is no better off than the person that cannot read.” Enjoy your books they take you to places you will never get to go.
Bettie–I love what your dad said about people who read. So very true! Books have always been my best friends, too. I’m usually reading three or four at the same time! Thank you so much for your comment.
I remember so much about reading as a child as it was the only way I found peace in a world that seemed alien to me when small. I too had no friends or did not want them as I was more quiet and they bothered me. I had a slightly younger sister and often had to entertain her, but whenever I could I would hide away with a book. Some years ago my brother in law made a video of me re-visiting some places from my hometown such as the baker, the harbour and one of the wee homes I lived a child. I was able to re-tell the story of the 3rd window on the second floor where I slept with my sister, my bed tucked right in front of that wee window and the lantern outside on the street right in front of that window( which still stands in the same spot). My mother was super strict and we went to bed at 7pm each night without exception. While my sister always fell asleep immediately, not so with me, it would take hours and hours. I soon learned to sneak books under my pillow and when I thought it safe, or the coast was clear, my sister asleep— I would open the curtain a few inches, held the book just so and would read on my knees whatever I could, the outside lantern providing just enough light to read a couple of sentences at the time. That lantern became my safe haven in those dark hours of not being able to sleep, yet forever carefully listening to those footsteps coming up the stairs in case I would be caught by my mother? Too many memories.
Klara, I absolutely LOVE this story. I can picture every detail. I, too, remember sneaking books at night and reading by the streetlight’s light. I’m so enjoying getting to know you through your stories. I don’t know if you read this post yet:
https://poeticblessings.com///books/from-brooklyn-to-louisiana/
but if you didn’t, I’d love to know if there was a book like this for you.
Those memories were from when I was about 7 or 8? And yes, I posted a book that really caught my attention on your other post! Too many memories when it comes to books.
Oh, I know! It’s hard to narrow it down. Thank you for taking the time to comment.
Love it! Books were always my retreat too, still are. You can go anywhere and meet amazing friends as people in them. ?? I am amazed at your story of matching words and teaching yourself to read. Determined amazingness!!
Thank you, Molly! Do you remember Grandpa telling us the story of “Golden Windows?” That was another impetus for me to learn to read–I wanted to read all kinds of stories like that! If you didn’t read this yet,
https://poeticblessings.com///books/from-brooklyn-to-louisiana/
I’d love it if you did and let me know if you have a book that was special to you. Thanks for taking the time to comment on this.
I love this because it is so much what I remember about my childhood; I think mom reading to us will always be my favorite memory growing up. I didn’t know the story about you teaching yourself to read! I’m excited to read more of your childhood secrets!….and once upon a time, you DID like pioneer books!
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Whenever I read “Anne,” I hear it in Mom’s voice! Yes, I did and do like pioneer books. Thank you so much for signing up and for your support.