Books with Memories

July 09, 2010

As I work everyday with hundreds of books, there's always those special few that bring back childhood memories.

One of my first memories of books happens everytime I see the Album of Horses come through.  Granny had a copy of this book in her library and it was always one of my favorites.  I would look at the pictures for what would seem like hours and dream my day away with the beautiful horses.

Everytime I see a Dick and Jane book, I remember those times of sitting in a classroom reading out loud, "see Dick run, see Jane run, see Spot run". Boy, I thought I was getting big with each new word I learned.    

As I got a little older, I had a sixth grade teacher.  I can't remember her name, but I can remember what a awesome reader she was.  If we were good that day for thirty minutes, at the end of the day she would read to us and this was the highlight of my day.  Everytime I see the book Island of the Blue Dolphins, I remember that teacher and the way I so enjoyed listening to her read.

On a little different note, when I see the book To Kill a Mockingbird, I remember my high school days.  I had just gotten my first job and was also assigned this book to read.  I would try to read after work but inevitably fall asleep right after starting.  I had a friend who introduced me to Cliff Notes at the time.  I thought, WOW, I got it made now. What I didn't know in all my teen wisdom was that the teacher also knew what Cliff Notes were and made sure the test answers could not be found in said book.

As I remember back, seeing these books come through our library filled me with fond and some not so fond memories.  I think of how blessed I am to have always had books in my life.  I watch my grandchildren grow and see them having their favorite books. I know one day they will be able to look back and enjoy what books have brought to them and I think WOW how great is that!