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I have to credit my parents, but most especially my mother, for instilling in me the love of the written word. I was home-schooled from kindergarten onward, so credit in learning to read goes to my mom. I remember sitting next to her at the dining room table, learning how letters make sounds and how sounds, when combined together, make words. She used “How to Teach Your Child to Read in 100 Easy Lessons” and goodness, I remember that book so well. Silly stories about ants and bugs, about rams and the rain, about boys and girls. Memorable, definitely.
But I don’t think it was a schoolbook that gave me the love for books.
A love of books came to me because my parents loved books and they shared it with us. Mom read to us constantly. I was mesmerized by the Little House books; I remember lying in bed at night after a chapter of Little House on the Prairie, thinking about the wolves that followed Pa home. The picture the book’s words had created in my mind was so vivid, I can see it in my head today. I could almost feel their hot breath on the horse’s heels and smell their potent, shaggy fur. I had nightmares that night, but I was still hooked. There was no way I was going to admit to mom that this book gave me nightmares. I needed to hear the rest of the story! It was at that age, I think, that my fondness for books truly started.
And then when I learned to read, this love was further fed by a constant supply of books. Our book collection was small, but my mom added books to it as often as she could. We’d get the Scholastic book papers from the home-school group and when she’d actually buy some, it was like birthdays and Christmas. New books! That we could keep. Oh, bliss.
And then there was the library. I loved the library. Oh, how I loved the library. As soon as I could write my name, I got my very own library card. Once a week during the summer, into the stroller the baby would go (there was always a baby for the stroller) and down the street and around the corner would we walk to the library. We’d fill our bags up with as many books as both mom and the library would allow and cart them all home. Within a few days, I usually would have finished my stack plus most of my brothers’ as well.
I had a voracious appetite that never could be quenched. If you really wanted to punish me for some misbehavior and really make an impression, all you had to do was take away my reading privileges. I certainly can’t tell you what horrible deed I did as a nine year old, but I certainly remember the punishment of being banned from reading anything but schoolbooks for an entire week. If I recall correctly, I whipped through a good quarter of my literature book that week due to withdrawals. 😛
(It was at about that age that I started creating my own stories, but that is another blog post for another day.)
I still have a voracious appetite for stories today. I love to read, as you probably can tell from the name of this blog, and try to read as much as I can cram into what time I have. The time for reading for pleasure doesn’t exactly abound these days, not nearly as much as it used to – as you probably can tell by the sporadic book reviews on this blog. Still, this gift of finding pleasure in books and words is a passion of mine, and one day, some day, I hope to read many, many books to my own children. I intend to make every attempt to pass on that love of words to them as well, for truly it is a gift. It’s treasure chest, a genie in a bottle and a magic wand that has opened up new worlds to me, every book a road-map to adventure and every paragraph magically transporting me to distant lands.
I love words. ❤
Nicole said:
I was the same way. 🙂 I remember the day my dad came home with two bags filled with abridged classics for children. He had found them on sale and thought I would like them. I read them through twice and then begged him for more. 😉
The Simple Life of a Country Man's Wife said:
Great post 🙂 I love hearing stories from a homeschoolers perspective. Sounds like your mom did a nice job. What did you think of being homeschooled?
ElenaSC said:
Thank you for sharing your story! I have one very similar one, but now that I’m writing in a language that is not “mine”… I even love words more… even if sometimes it’s not easy.
If you’d like to find out my story http://wp.me/pXsUB-ye
Thanks again!
Kathryn McCullough said:
I too love words, stories, books– the magic that is text lends such texture to our lives!
Congrats on being freshly pressed–happened to me last week!
Happy Holidays from Haiti,
Kathy
The Ramblings Of A Demented Mind said:
I was not different from you! Used to ask for books on every occasion! 😀 But gladly it was not something my parents were unhappy about! 🙂 Love this post!
Lindsay said:
I’m a word lover too. I’ve always been a voracious reader and lover of the library.
Not enough people share our love of words these days. I cringe when I read papers written by high school students and the texts people send one another it makes me cringe!
dearexgirlfriend said:
i love the simplicity in your last line. i feel the same way.
http://dearexgirlfriend.com/
Mikalee Byerman said:
Interestingly, I always had a passion for writing when I was young: I had about 12 manuscripts started by the time I was — well, 12 — but I didn’t love love LOVE reading until my adult years.
Now I can’t get enough. And I’m so proud when my children come to me asking for more books — that’s something with which I don’t mind spoiling them silly! 😉
exactlywritemktg said:
The classics truly told a story and it is easy to want to read those over and over again.
Lakia Gordon said:
I think this is awesome. I would like to homeschool my children.
deanna said:
You are my kindred spirit. I have recently examined my life and determined that my most available “happy place” is either the library or a book store. Life’s obligations have me rooted firmly in this geographic spot, but every night I open a book and go to the ends of the earth, have wild love affairs, and overcome incredible odds.
Oh, the places you can go!
sayitwithmusic said:
Mothers are so important in shaping our lives. Mine introduced me to libraries when I was young- and it is a lifelong habit for me- I read voraciously and always have a book on the go.
rtcrita said:
You make me want to go out and find a great book that I can read in the evenings now that the cold weather is here. I read to my children, also, every chance I got. Now both of them love to read. We often make trips to the bookstore just to spend time and browse all the many aisles and shelves and tables for anything that sparks our interest.
I think you are so right about the world that is opened up to you when you read. I know it certainly helps widen your vocabulary and fosters great imagination. You will enjoy reading to your children, I’m sure. I know it’s made for some great memories for both my children and myself, as well!
Livy Parker said:
Books are treasure chests – I find there’s nothing more exciting than coming home with a bag full of books! For the love of words!!
Merilee said:
My childhood memory of books includes the smell of the library; the scent of books -someone should bottle it :o)
The feel and weight of the book as you curl up in the corner of the window seat and start reading. It’s pretty hard to snuggle up in an over stuffed arm chair with and electronic digital reader—not quite the same feel.
Jellybean said:
I wrote about my love for books on my blog too entitled, “Bibliophile Since Birth.” We share the same passion. 😉
4myskin said:
Oh books…my first love…:)
genryui said:
Мать это мать . Её надо увожать!!!!
Patricia said:
A lovely post! I was much the same. My love of words and books made me become a writer (German-American. My books are in german, for the time being.)
Aren’t we lucky to be able to enjoy words and imagination that much! What richness.
thisissultryred said:
You could be telling my story there. I used to spend ALL my pocket money on books, finish them far to quickly then ‘borrow’ my brothers or mothers books just to have something to read. I also LOVE the little house series too.
Mitch Leuraner said:
I always find it strange when people talk about how much they loved to read as a child. I love to read now, but that didn’t come along until well into university. I think that it changed when I discovered all the information that was available. When you are a child, the focus tends to be on fiction – which is only as good as your imagination. Unfortunately, my imagination – even now – is too scattered to really enjoy most fiction. I need data – new information that I didn’t know. Books don’t keep me interested unless they are teaching me something.
Thankfully, there are plenty of books that do just that!
harkheindzel said:
I wonder what this world would be without words…great post
CrystalSpins said:
So, do you have some favorite words? Lately I like diaphanous. And it has come in quite handy as well.
Crystal
http://www.crystalspins.com
northernquartermaster said:
This is the place to be if you’re word lovers!
Anas Shafqat said:
I didn’t like reading at all, at first but then I found my way into the library and lo! now I’m a frantic reader 😛
Doina said:
Congratulations bellawilfer.i take a bow.
Evie Garone said:
It is good to hear so many people still talking about their love of reading! Yay! I too so love to read…when I am in “book world” I call it, I am truly in another world and I’d rather not be bothered by earthly matters. It is amazing the things you can learn & experience that then you can use on this earthly plane…
To share that love with the next and next generation is a lovely and important thing…
evelyngarone.com
bluecloverbelle said:
Great blog! i agree, i love books!
notesfromrumbleycottage said:
How many of us can say the same thing? We get into readingat some point because we want to know the rest of the story. I am sure you will find a way to pass this on to your own children. Congrats on being pressed.
1alive said:
You sound just like my daughter. She is obsessed with books and goes through her stacks from the library in a few days as well. Since she learned to read, she has read everything she could. Street signs, instruction manuals, and books, books, books. Thanks for sharing.
modiana said:
I´ve never had a TV at home, so maybe because of that I have been reading a lot since I was 6 and I have learnt how to read.
There was a time, when I had to read at least one book every day, otherwise I felt I wasted my day.
And it opened my imagination… Thanks to that passion, I could win so many writing competitions and all my feelings I can put on the paper.
Movies, music… it´s so cool, but never can be better in the cold evening like this one, than a cup of cacao and… a book! :))
sportsjim81 said:
Great post. I love to put words down in print for people to read. Love expressing my ideas and opinions in the form of stories that engage people. Sounds like you have loved reading for a long time. Hope you’ll check out my blog if you get a chance as I love to share my stories and ideas in this great forum.
humanitarikim said:
One of the things I looked forward to most during summer breaks was going to the library and checking out the maximum of ten books! I always participated in the reading contests, too. I still love the smell of the library. Great post!
http://humanitarikim.wordpress.com/
Aleem Khan said:
I toooo love to read Such type of book’s. but i had never get a chance to complete it.Because of my job. Now i m Gonna for that and complete my book. But the challenge is to find some time.And also i will advise my family members to read it ……..
ssarah24 said:
As I was telling my friend couple of weeks ago: “I love words. They are delicious”. Haha. Your entry perfectly describes how I felt while growing up, reading books. My mom used to laugh (be concerned, really) that I would have rather gotten books for gifts rather than the latest dolls and playthings.
*sigh* Your entry totally took me back. Thanks for sharing. Also, congrats on being on Freshly Pressed! 🙂
Annepiphanies said:
I love words too! There is nothing better than curling up with a good book.
auntbethany said:
I heart words, too! Reading a book a week got me through 2 years in NYC. I’d spend many a day lost in Starbucks, Borders, or Barnes and Noble, just passing the day with a book and a latte. Those books I read during that 2-year-stretch really helped me get through a hard time in my life! Your post helped me remember that! Congrats on FP!
Sheryl said:
Great post Krista!
Love ya
acleansurface said:
I am currently using the 100 Easy Lessons book set with an autistic student I tutor, and am also currently reading the Little House On The Prairie books to my son…so it’s fun to know we have some shared words.
Great post.
enjoibeing said:
great post. words are the best when they team up with amazing typography, then its like telling a story
http://enjoibeing.wordpress.com/
copelandinsurance said:
Great post. I absolutely love reading and writing as well. I feel most at home in a library.
I was homeschooled too and I was so eager to learn to read that I learned how when I was three, because my brother was starting kindergarten at that time and was learning how, so I jumped in and learned before he did, and I am two years younger!
Haley
philip said:
Great article, thnx!!!
Bamola said:
There is something about words to where they are their own little planets and the book or newspaper they are in has become their universe. It is quite beautiful.
MandyB said:
My daughter has the same appetite for books – it is hard to keep up with her! We, too, visit the library once (if not twice) a week. With her arms loaded with books she starts reading as we walk back to the car and on the journet home. Her father & I read a great deal and find it difficult not to have a book ‘on the go’. I think reading is a pleasure and one everyone should be introduced to. You can escape, learn and enjoy all at the same time.
My daughter writes stories as do I and my writers circle has been an inspiration to me. Have a look -http://wfscsherwoodpark.com
Great post.
evilcyber said:
I can very much relate to what you said.
I just wonder why so many people these days don’t feel the same about books.
There is a vast difference between watching a movie, playing a computer game and reading a book, when it comes to being transported to a totally different place and time.
Evil
http://www.evilcyber.com/
gpeace said:
Well said, feel exactly the way you do.
Janet said:
You remind me of me! Must ask: what became of those literature books? The ones with excerpts of Raisin in the Sun and the story of the young muralist in South America and there was one about the patches in a quilt and what each one meant… where did they go? When my sister was going through 3rd, 4th, 5th grade, they were no longer around.
I too, LOVED House on the Prairie. For some sadistic reason, my favorite was the Long Winter even though it never failed to depress me. In third grade I plowed through every Nancy Drew book ever written and by fourth grade I was reading Little Women, Great Expectations, Pride and Prejudice… overly ambitious to win a local reading program’s book-a-thon. (I, haha, didn’t really need to read the last 1000 pages to win).
If there is anything I truly miss about childhood, it is the time, the seemingly endless hours I had, to read as much as I wanted. The working college student hasn’t even enough time to read assignments let alone works of our own volition.
Speaking of college! I must go back to my essay. If you’re looking for a new book to read, I’d recommend Power by Linda Hogan.
aragornjm said:
Hello!
I’m a young writer and am just now making my first true attempt at writing (and completing) a piece of literature that is very close to me. Because of my recent discovery of WordPress and the encouragement of a friend, I was stricken with the idea of publishing here each chapter as I go.
Through your own writing I can feel with ease your love for the written word that’s made you such an avid reader. As such, I invite to take a peek at what I’ve began to produce. I only hope that my work is something to be as appreciated as ‘Little House on the Prairie’.
http://fictitiousreality.wordpress.com/
CommentatorandPoet said:
When I was a child in New York City, I remember one day going to the 125th Library in Manhattan to the Science Fiction section. I could not find one book, I had not read before. Many of my weekends where filled with two to three books, that I was in the process of reading. I loved Science Fiction as a kid. Sadly today, I find no time to do such in what is a busy schedule for a 69 year old. Between community work, writing poetry, and keeping two homes, amidst a full working schedule in an insurance agency of twenty-seven years, my reading consists of what I read on my Smart phone, and moving laptop. Thank you for your posting, it was well done, and justly qualified for “Freshly Pressed.”
elisajoy said:
i have fond memories of library trips too 🙂 i am so thankful my mom made a point that i would be well read, because i share your deep love for books and for words.
angelnjuly said:
A personal passion to words and books can’t be taken away by anybody. And more so if it’s coming from Mommy. I love this post interesting!
lifeintheboomerlane said:
In a very real sense, books are some of the great friends of my life. I’m OK in almost any situation if I have a book with me. And when life becomes challenging, the library gives solace. I am grateful beyond measure that a love of books was instilled in me at an early age, and that so many are available to me now. I can’t imagine what a life without books would be like.
ohkamisvoice said:
Words Words Words Words Words Words Words Words
They make the world go round…
I havn’t had such a voratious appetite for as long as you’ve described but I definitely LOVE WORDS
i didn’t start appreciating them until high school (better late than never) and ever since ive been experimenting with words in every way possible. Painting them, writing them, reading them, speaking them, Feeling them,and whatever else u could possibly think of.
Amazing post…
Don’t stop Howling…
OhKami’s Voice
ohkamisvoice.com
Rebecca said:
Yay you!!! CONGRATS on being featured. Also, I love this post. 🙂
lochgarry said:
I am happy that your mother read to you and thereby created the desire in you to read. As you know, reading opens new worlds.
I was never read to as a child in my home. The desire to read was something that was nurtured in elementary school by good teachers.
It is sad that so many children on this planet are not read to each night. Words should be their playmates and good books their friends.
Excellent post.
Happy holidays!
simplyvictorious said:
I’m also a lifelong book lover and I really loved reading this post. Congrats on making it to Freshly Pressed!
nymfs said:
how i wish i was like you as a child… i love words as a writer, but did not have the background that made me a voracious reader. i love reading books, but as a teenager and later as a young adult, the genre i dwell on is more of devotional and inspirational books… no wonder my writing style is limited to the same kind.
devianteyes said:
I’m exactly the same way. And I’m pretty sure I’ll influence my kids to be the same way as well.
Rachel said:
I was homeschooled too! And my punishment when I was younger was to take away my reading privileges as well! Thank you for the post! It is so good to know that other people love books and reading as much as I do!
What genre of books do you most love? Have you ever thought about writing your own book?
cookeezrus said:
I love words too! My mom use to read Bambi to me each night and when I was 2 I had memorized every single word and my mom and I made my dad think that I could read. To this day, I love books and words.
Fire Crystals said:
I love books myself…..it is such a delight to burrow into the bed with a book and lose oneself in the unfolding tale. While I read a book, I can actually see the book being played out like a movie…so much so that sometimes I think that a book I read was actually a movie.
Rong MeiShan said:
I am currently homeschooling my children using the same book. I actually prefer television and movies than reading books; however, I do love words and writing. It’s interesting how so many writers write about words and writing.
Coco Rivers said:
I love this post!! It put a smile on my face a mile wide, thank you. I was catapulted straight back to childhood and the first stirrings of discovery and happiness which presaged my enduring love of words. I, too, adore the library. Libraries are my church :). My addiction is so bad that I can’t help but visit the local bookstores when traveling. It always reveals an interesting perspective of culture, the layout, the content, the patrons etc. My library is my most prized posession and writing is my favorite thing. Happy Holidays
http://www.cocorivers.wordpress.com
RendellRicaplaza said:
i love reading too. I was the only family member who really love to read books. sometimes, i am told on why i have been buying those books, why wont i juts go out to play. but , books became my best friends. i feel comfortable when i begin to read. it so gave me the idea of writing too.
Happy reading!
Minka said:
Ah, it is wonderful to see that passion in someone else. My dream of having my own library is well on its way. My passion for the written word can be contributed to some wonderful teachers who taught me to think on my own and introduced me to some amazing authors.
There is nothing better than a good book…well maybe being able to write my own amazing work…
lemon123 said:
I love “words” too. I’m glad to have discovered your blog. I subscribed.
DustyPM said:
Reading is a peculiar addiction that one can stay attuned to and not get many negative outcomes from. So long as a person stays curious enough to turn to the next page. Writing comes next in line, just equally as beautiful and entertaining as reading. This was a great post and made me feel alright about being a hermit with a lot of books as my closest friends and whispering advice.
Frank norton said:
You my friend have truly touched my heart. I grew up loving to read ANYTHING, took on Shakespeare, Poetry (which I now write when I have moments), developed a love for all things C.S Lewis, and many other things, Lord of the rings,Classical music, Ballet, Opera etc. Brilliant post. Thanks and merry Christmas.
Sherin said:
Good post !!!! Words are the basic of life…where we communicate!!….Let more and more words comes in multiple languages..
Cool post and thanks 🙂
runningthroughmydreams said:
I Love Reading 🙂 I’ve always got a book on-the-go – and some don’t even make it a day :’)
It’s a shame that not many of my ‘teenager generation’ read much and that the library’s are slowing becoming ‘out-of-fashion’ I find it amazing how you can just get lost in a good book 🙂
Great Post
z
portableking said:
i love this story.
foolswords said:
These words of yours, the affection in it, it leaves me in awe. I mean, this is the same raw feeling I have towards words, books, anything with letters in it, and you have just articulated them perfectly and beautifully into a single post. I’ve tried to write about reading, about this burning love for words, but those very words always escape me. So, it feels good to read something I ought to write myself, and it feels good to know that someone somewhere out there feels the same way I do. You made my day, and for that, I am thankful to you. Congratulations for being freshly pressed, you deserve it!
gnovember said:
I also LOVE books and my best memories always revolve around reading and being around books. Like you, my mother never restricted how much I read, I was always encouraged to voraciously get into books…and as an adult, its only gotten “worse” this habit. Lovely article..
munira's bubble said:
words rock! 😀
nilsondebarros said:
Its text is fascinating, Congratulations!
drivingmsmiranda said:
Well, I truly enjoyed YOUR words.
Thank you for putting a smile on my face and reminding me of my childhood. My love for reading and words runs deep as well, and my bookshelf crammed with various books on various topics stands like a trophy case in my bedroom. My husband doesn’t understand why I keep books I’ve already read — but then, he’s not a reader.
Congrats on being Freshly Pressed!
Drive on,
– M.
Generation 26 said:
This was a cool post. I love books..but not neccesarily words. I was never good at spelling. After loosing a few spelling bee’s I just got this I hate words attitude and it stuck I guess lol. What’s your favorite word?
Pingback: For the love of words (via Between the Stacks) « Generation26's Blog
Grammy Mary said:
I enjoyed this post. Books have meant the world to me as well.
afroricano said:
Its funny, people constantly have this sinister view of our ‘society’ and how people are getting more illiterate by the age. Which is partially true; however people like you are proof that intelligence is still a virtue that is still within us. I mean being punished by having your books taken away? Wow, for some would be a blessing, but they just dont know the power of words! which is one of the most effective tools known to man, in my opinion.
compositordemente said:
for those who want to share and understand the word of God http://thebig2012.wordpress.com/ Greetings and Blessings
Of Life and Laughter said:
“If you really wanted to punish me for some misbehavior and really make an impression, all you had to do was take away my reading privileges:” I was exactly the same way. The removal of my reading priviliges was a pretty safe way to induce a pout. Not many of my friends are big readers, so it was really nice to come across something so relatable!
myhomeishere said:
You’re lucky. 🙂 My dad never read me a book, my mom one or maybe two times only. And I’m jealous because your mother has been teaching you, and I always have to learn by myself, unfortunately…
I remember when I was `reading` a book and I can’t did it fast so one page – one hour, and suddenly I read one, long word fluenlty. I screamed to my mom: Mom, I can read! But when she ran to me, I couldn’t do it again.
But now, sometimes I read, sometimes not. I read only interesting books. My favourites are by Margaret Atwood. 🙂
Lucy Graphics said:
I love your blog, almost as much as I love books! I have to say, that my love for books comes from my early teachers’ love for books. My mother, unfortunately, is the reason I don’t read as much anymore. She would constantly tell me I read too much and now, I don’t read as much as I used to years ago. Yet, I find myself reading everything else in sight! Cereal boxes, receipts, signs…EVERYTHING! I love to read.
Thank you for writing such a nice blog.
Pingback: A Perfect Birthday « Indigo Moods
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Thank you 🙂
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