From: Denice Martin <deepaul>
Date: Wed, 24 May 2006 15:05:25 -0500

I must credit Dr. Seuss (especially his books McElligot's Pool, Bartholomew
& the OOBLECK, and 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins) for nurturing my imagination, of which I would be lost without!

Being a bookworm had many internal rewards, meeting kindred spirits on pages, travelling independently to phenomenal sites, and experiencing/battling evil. However, I did feel like shouting from the rooftop when I finished reading Gone with the Wind. It was the longest book I had tackled in my early teens and I was really proud of myself.

Finally, as a young woman in my late teens I read The Women's Room by Marilyn French. It was an eye-opener for me as to what the adult world was like. While I had no clue what my future would bring, I did know that I would have to be careful and keep true to myself. I must also acknowledge the influence of a periodical, MS. Magazine. I was a teen subscriber in the late 1970's who had yet to leave my sheltered, middle-class, suburban home. But I knew Gloria Steinem and her editorial team were doing really important things for me, other girls like myself and women of the world.

I'm enjoying these recollections so much. Thanks to all.

Denice Ryan Martin, freelance writer/social worker Genesee, WI


 
Received on Wed 24 May 2006 03:05:25 PM CDT