August 1, 2006
By Sarah Young
I was at the library last night returning my usual tote bag full of books. It was a quiet evening at the library so I decided to stay and look around. Not really sure what I was looking for, I started with the CDs and then worked my way over to the DVDs before ducking into the children’s reading corner.
Sometimes when I am at a loss for something good to read I turn to old favorites I enjoyed as a child. Sure, it’s juvenile and a little silly for a 26-year-old to be carrying around a copy of Charlotte’s Web, but it’s no different I guess from all the adults who read the Harry Potter series. Plus, it’s fun to go back and relive some of my favorite stories and characters. I got into this habit when I was a teacher. I used to read certain books to refresh myself with the story before presenting it to my students. Even though it’s not part of my job anymore I still enjoy curling up with a good book that reminds me of a simpler time.
Here are my top five “go-to” books to feel like a kid again:
1. To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This book still gets me every time. It’s timeless. I can’t say much more than that. I read it at least once a year.
2. Eloise by Kay Thompson and Hilary Knight
I absolutely adore this book. When I was younger I wanted to be Eloise and not much has changed (I still kinda do). Who wouldn’t want to live in the Plaza Hotel and get into all sorts of adventures?
3. Gone-Away Lake by Elizabeth Enright
This is one of my absolute favorite books. Two cousins find an old settlement of once grand, but now rundown old houses and meet a myriad of crazy, endearing characters. It will remind you of exploring in the woods, making a clubhouse and treating every summer day as if it were your last.
4. How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell
This is a classic story, albeit a little stomach churning, about fitting in at a new school, standing up to bullies and making good on a bet. The movie version is being released August 25 by New Line Cinema. I hope they don’t mess this one up.
5. Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak
It makes you remember what it was like to have an imagination and to dream big. You always remember your first “wild rumpus.”
I hope you check out these books or search out your favorites. I like to pour myself a glass of wine or a cup of coffee and relive some of my favorite moments from childhood.
I would love to hear what your childhood favorites were. Post your comments below.
Comments
Posted by dewdroppearl on August 2 at 3:44 p.m.
My absolute childhood favorite -- Bridge to Terebithia, by Katherine Paterson, followed by close second
A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle --
Posted by sarah on August 2 at 3:58 p.m.
Those are two great selections. A Wrinkle in Time is definitely on my top 10 list.
Posted by westbanktank on August 8 at 12:48 p.m.
to kill a mockingbird is a true american classic
Posted by Preraphfan on August 8 at 9:21 p.m.
I've read--and enjoyed--two of your blogs. I'm definitely for the physical book, in contrast to the e-book, or at least in addition to the e-book. One of my childhood favorites was "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett.
I look forward to your future musings.
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