From: Julie Hanson <jhanson>
Date: Thu, 25 May 2006 10:40:41 -0500

I have enjoyed this thread so much. It has inspired me and given me a renewed sense of faith in my readers, many of whom tend to be private and subdued about their reading habits. (In other words, I don't necessarily feel surrounded by enthusiastic voracious readers who constantly tell me all about the books they're reading and beg me for more titles.) Perhaps it is in the nature of kids who love to read to be a little reserved and independent about it.

 

It certainly was that way for me. For as long as I can remember, I have always loved books of all kinds. It is funny that so many people have posted comments about reading anything they could find: newspapers, manuals, etc. I read a bizarre and eclectic mixture of books and not much in the way of children's literature. Since I have become a librarian, I have reflected on my childhood experiences around books and libraries and have regretted the fact that my family didn't visit the library as often as I would have liked and that we didn't have many books in our house. But I guess I've learned that kids who like to read will find books. Whenever I did encounter books, I read them. I remember finding Christine by Stephen King at my aunt's house and devouring it while everyone else was playing outside. I somehow came across a copy of Black Beauty, which I believe inspired a lifelong sensitivity to the plight of animals. I remember reading the "Bruno and Boots" books by Gordon Korman and trying to persuade my bro ther to read them. They were so good, I was simply incredulous that he didn't seem interested. My parents had a number of books by John Jakes, Sidney Sheldon, Colleen McCullough, and Ken Follett, which I read. Thankfully, no one ever attempted to censor my reading.

 

In terms of positive childhood book memories, there were two highlights for me: I grew up in Chicago and there was an elderly woman who lived next door who would buy children's (chapter) books for me on her monthly visits to the thrift store. Regardless of what she selected, I read and enjoyed them.

 

The second is that for Christmas one year, my mom bought my brother and I each our own set of "Watermill Classics". There was a set for boys and a set for girls. I remember being a little disappointed in the "girls" collection because I preferred to view myself as a tomboy and not into overly "girly" things. But it didn't matter because my I read more of my brother's than he did. I loved the idea of having the complete set and of having so many new books of my own.

 

Finally, if pressed to choose one book that influenced me or confirmed my love of reading more than any other, it would be The Outsiders. I loved its sense of realism and its emotional intensity and it remains a favorite of mine.

 

Julie

 
----------------------------------------------------------- Julie Hanson Children's Librarian Chicago Public Library- Uptown Branch 929 W. Buena Ave. / Chicago, IL / 60613
(312) 744-8400
 
Received on Thu 25 May 2006 10:40:41 AM CDT