The stories of my life: part 1
It's true: I've been asleep at the wheel. Writing a blog, while VERY IMPORTANT, is not as important as life. Or work. Or children's Mother's Day concerts (and other endurance events). Or birthdays.Did I mention it was my birthday? Oh, thank you. As many of you already know, it was A Certain Milestone Birthday. Suffice it to say this old bird DID NOT sit around weeping. A party was held and went off with a bang, I might add.Anyhoo, you find yourself waxing philosophical at times like these. Instead of moaning about being old I thought I'd write an ode to four decades of loving books. And because you will all find this so RIVETING, I am going to do it in two parts.And so, Part 1.When I was really, really youngDoes anyone remember learning to read? I don't really, although I DO remember having a revelation about the spelling of the word 'said'. Hmm, not 'sed' then. The rest is a happy blur and included these unforgettable infants' books.
- Early readers: Janet and John, Peter and Jane. Those clever couples sure stayed busy, although being monosyllabic meant their relationships lacked a certain depth.
- Ladybird books: Tootles the Taxi; Musicians of Bremen. Anybody else have Ladybird books? We loved them into pulp.
- AA Milne: When we were very young; Now we are six. Still a favourite. For those who know it: I like a little bit of butter on my bread too.
Primary school yearsSome of the BEST STORIES I've ever read and loved, I read before the age of ten. Here are the highlights.
- Ronald Dahl: Danny the Champion of the World and everything else — what's more, now my kids love them. They're just as much a treat the umpteenth time around.
- Peter Ransom: Old Peter's Russian Tales and Swallows and Amazons. Brilliant. From a time when kids could have real adventures all by themselves.
- Enid Blyton: the school stories. Oh Mallory Towers! Oh St Claires! Midnight feasts and class warfare.
- Noel Streatfield: Ballet Shoes — still an eternal favourite. Never could decide which of the sisters I liked best.
Early teensUgh, ghastly years! Luckily, Judy Blume answered most of the questions I couldn't ask my parents ...
- Judy Blume: Are you there God, it's me Margaret and other classics in the teenage 'periods and pimples' genre. Very educational and as far as I know, my parents had no idea.
- Ursula Le Guin: Wizard of Earthsea, made most memorable by an unfairly afflicted substitute teacher in our English class (Irish brogue, nervous tick, Iron Lady bosom) who was teased WITHOUT MERCY.
- Nina Bawden: Carries War. Stunning and the reason I attempted a 'novel' (ahem) at age 10. My novelistic attempt was about 10 handwritten pages long and was penned in the dry, hot northern suburbs of Perth — but it nevertheless involved British wartime evacuees and tea and kittens in boxes and two dozen other kinds of weird English nostalgia.
I love stories! I love them! I'm grateful for every story I ever read and thrilled there are so many more yet to enjoy ...STAY TUNED for Part 2 of the EPIC journey of my life in books through secondary school, twenties and up to now.What did you read when you were a kid? Which are the books you can't forget?