Booking through Thursday

Booking Through Thursday

1. They say that books read as a child make more of an impact on a person than books read at any other time in life. Are there any books that you particularly loved, that shaped the way you think when you were little? I'm not asking if you believed in fairies then but don't any more. I'm asking about patterns of thought, morality--something that made an impact.
   
   I would think the Laura books were major for me, since I've read them over and over. Good themes in them: hard work, strong family, bad times aren't forever, etc.



2. And, of course, examples, please!
   
   I read SO many books as a kid that I think the impact of each might be a bit watered-down. However, the Narnia books definitely shaped my worldview, as did Alice in Wonderland and Tom Sawyer. I can remember reading--the physical act of lying on the couch (or whatever) with the book--all of these.
   I think the themes throughout all of them are that whatever the world hands you--a magical world reached through a wardrobe or down a rabbit hole, a homestead in the middle of Indian Territory, or the possibility of dying in a cave--we need to face it head on and accept it for what it is. Denying reality (even if it is too bizarre to believe) is wrong. Doing your best to see a situation through is the only way to face life.



3. Also, did you read this book/these books more than once? Many times? Even if that's not a usual habit of yours?
   
   I've read all of the books I listed more than once. I've also read Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights over and over, but those are from my college years. As a rule, I don't reread books, however.

It occurs to me that perhaps I should pick up Catch-22 and reread it. I think it might have some lessons for me, or at least something to say, about the professional situation I'm in currently. Maybe Lord of the Flies, too.