One of my fondest memories as a child was visiting my aunt and uncle. They had a bookshelf of children’s books my cousin had outgrown that I was allowed to explore. I remember one about a pretty kitten with a ball of yarn, the familiar The Little Engine, and The Hardy Boys series.
Learning to read was one of the greatest gifts of education because it opened the world to me. Through books, I could visit new places whether it was a travel book to Scotland, or a history of Australia or a biography of an Alaskan gold miner. I could explore new worlds through fantasy, sci fi and historical fiction. For a few hours, I became an explorer, a scientist, or even a dancer.
As an almost teenager, I discovered romance novels. My friend’s step-mother shared her copy of Shanna by Kathleen Woodiwiss and I was hooked. From reading romance I soon began writing romance. So, if anyone asks, Jean, it’s all your fault. I was addicted to stories even before reading my first romance book but it was romance that made me an avid reader and brought to life the stories in my head.
Our eight-year-old granddaughter is living with us to finish out the school year. She is older than I was when I first fell in love with books, but she is not as enthralled with stories the way I was. How do I unlock her joy of reading? What is the key to unlocking her love of books?
I know there are some people who do not enjoy reading, but I also believe there is a book for everyone. Finding that first book that sparks your interest, sucks you into its world and allows you to disappear within the pages for a little while is the key to years of happiness.
How old were you when you started reading? What was the book that uncovered your passion for reading? Are you still an avid reader?
Sherri Lupton Hollister, author 
I can’t remember a time when books and reading were not a part of my life. When I was two or three, I remember sitting with my two brothers and one sister as our mother read to us before bedtime. The story she was a reading as a picture book about a Siamese cat. I don’t remember much about the story line, but years later if I saw a Siamese cat, I would taste the candy my mother had to suck on while she read. And when we were older, mother had us pick parts in a Shakespeare play and then we would read the line and act out the parts. Great way to learn the speak Shakespearean English.
Later, I remember reading stories about animals and the Nancy Drew mysteries. And always horse stories. Thanks for stirring up nice memories, Sherri.
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