What started your love for reading and/or writing?

[Adhityani]

Enid Blyton is to blame for my addiction to fiction reading today!

[I.E.]

A few people here mentioned Little Golden Books (I'm not sure if they're still around?) and it was the same for me. I read these from a very young age, this was over fifty years ago. These were classic stories, condensed down into very short, illustrated books, and I recall some of the earliest I encountered were King Arthur and the Knights Of The Round Table (I remain a fan of Arthurian fiction to this day), Pinnochio, 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea, and many more.

Later on, of course, I progressed to reading the full length originals of many of the stories, but the importance of those great tales being made accessible to a young reader has immeasurable value.

[★ Jess]

J.K. Rowling and Roald Dahl are to blame for my love of words :)

[BookLovingLady (deceased Jan. 25, 2023...)]

What started it? Probably my mum reading all kinds of children's stories to me when I was little, as I absolutely loved that. Most of those books will be unknown outside of the Netherlands, but I loved the 'Pinkeltje' series by Dick Laan, the 'Okkie Pepernoot' series by Leonard Roggeveen, the 'Claudia' series by Cok Grashof, all kinds of fairy tales, and so on and so forth.

[Jeanette]

Iain, I still have my Little Golden Books. Have never been able to part with them. Back then, owning a book was precious. My children received more books in the first few months of their lives than I had my entire childhood. And yes, I still read them mine.

[[deleted user]]

The little golden books are still around they are just not the same stoires (no where near as good as they used to be) a friend just had a kid and I went to find some...they are about adopting kittys and things not takes on any well known legends like they were when I was young...I think they update them every once in a while.

I see every one blaming authours for their love of reading...well yesterday after 3 books arrived in mail for me my mother started yelling at my father telling him it was all his fault I buy so many books and tickets to plays haha so I guess I don't have to blame anyone my mother had it all down for me hahah

[★ Jess]

I still have a few Little Golden Books :) I loved them so much!

[I.E.]

Wow, great to hear so many started with those Little Golden Books and that you still have them, Jeanette and Jess. I wish I still had the ones I remember, but they are long, long gone.

A shame though, Melanie, to hear they no longer feature those classic stories? I first encountered so many of them there, Hiawatha was another one, and individual tales from the Thousand And One Nights were some of the others.

A little later on, I first sampled adaptations of many others in a line of comic books that were called Illustrated Classics, and would you believe they had comic book versions of classics such as Moby Dick, Jekyll and Hyde, even Russian classic The Brothers Karamazov. (Those were the days).

Although I've long since been a novel reader I retain an affection for those illustrated books and of course for my Mum's readings, who prior to all that read me the stories of Noddy and The Little Engine That Could and the great Hans Christian Andersen fairytales.

[[deleted user]]

Noddy was the bomb digity!

[JB]

I remember quite a few of the books others have mentioned. I remember the Archie comics - and Jughead, and Veronica (she was the one with the long, dark hair and I so wanted to be like her). I think magazines and newspapers were probably my first source of reading. The newspapers had wonderful children’s sections that included stories - I have a vague and possibly incorrect memory of the Charlie Chucklers Club with (I think) a kookaburra logo.

We were way too poor to buy books but an aunt in NSW used to send books for us all at Christmas. As far back as I can remember I was obsessed with reading. In an attempt to satisfy this insatiable desire I made regular trips to the local rubbish tip (with my brothers as chaperones) to sift through the rotting vegetables and old bits of machinery to unearth books. That was my first library - the local rubbish tip.

I wrote a little about this in a blog called Why I Envy Librarians and, thanks to Brenda’s guidance, I have brought the link over here for anyone interested in reading it. http://jbthewriter.wordpress.com/2011...

JB :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks JB...it's a great item! Wonderful to see the love of books you have, and the way it's developed into writing them too:)

[Janine]

I really can't remember how or when I developed my love of reading but can remember when in primary school really looking forward to getting my monthly parcel of books from the State Library in Adelaide. I can remember going to Adelaide (from Renmark) and being able to choose what sort of books I liked which in those days was Chalet School and Enid Blyton. Every month I would get a brown parcel of books sent by train which was very exciting. I think my mother and grandmother must have encouraged it and bought me books as I still have lots from when I was young but never got the toys I wanted.

[[deleted user]]

Janine wrote: "I really can't remember how or when I developed my love of reading but can remember when in primary school really looking forward to getting my monthly parcel of books from the State Library in Ade..."
I get the same excited feeling now when my book depository book parcels come in the mail :)

and dont worry my parents never gave me the toys I wanted either, just books not that I begrudge them for that one bit

[JB]

Janine wrote: "... can remember when in primary school really looking forward to getting my monthly parcel of books from the State Library in Ade..."

Ah, the excitement of receiving a brown paper parcel in the mail, the mystery and promise of it all. Enid Blyton was also one of my great loves; remarkable that her books are still 'topping the charts'. JB :-)

[Tui]

I became addicted to reading at the age of six when a family catastrophe gave me a need to escape into a storybook world. I read anything I could find and loved stories about animals from the start.

[Sherri]

Well my love for reading has been in me ever since my dad taught me to read before Kindergarten/Reception. But my love for writing poetry and my novel came from lots of encouraging friends and the help of my 11th year Honors English teacher. :)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sherri wrote: "Well my love for reading has been in me ever since my dad taught me to read before Kindergarten/Reception. But my love for writing poetry and my novel came from lots of encouraging friends and the ..."

Sherri, did you see the new thread for poetry? http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/8...

If you love writing poetry, it'd be lovely to see some of your work in that thread!

[Sherri]

Is that the poet's corner one? I am using an app so I can't just click on the link, darn apps lol. And I'll definitely try to post something once I can find my poem journal lol

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Sherri wrote: "Is that the poet's corner one? I am using an app so I can't just click on the link, darn apps lol. And I'll definitely try to post something once I can find my poem journal lol"

Yes, the poet's corner one made by Emily:)

[Sherri]

Lovely, thank you Brenda, I shall certainly pop in sometime :)

[Katie]

ive always been a reader.. the only one out of 6 kids that read but i slowed my reading down for a few yrs from 2008-2010 when i had my babies, didnt have much time with being a new mum and trying to do yr 12, but im reading again and more than ever :) My girls love books aswell and i read to them every day and night, we go to the library at least once a week and they pick new books, mey eldest daughter (4 1/2) said to me the other day i cant wait to be big so i can read by myself haha, she has a few favourite books which include possum magic, she knows it off by heart and will sit down with her little sister Nalani (2 1/2) and read it to her (well not actually read but tell the story LOL). I joined my local library in the middle of last year and have been reading heaps ever since even tho ive been buying most of my books lately, even conned my mum n dad into buying me a kindle for xmas :)

[JB]

Katie, I just want to hug you. What a rich environment you are providing for your girls. JB :-)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's a great story Katie, and wonderful how you have thoroughly encouraged your 2 children to read as well..good on you!

[Katie]

Thanks JB and Brenda :)

[Dale]

I can't remember ever not having books and loving reading. As a parent my husband and I read to our kids from the time they were born almost. Both our adult children have done the same with their kids. Consequently they all love books and have started reading early and those at school are doing very well. What a legacy, don't you think? Mind you I'm pretty fanatical about the whole idea of parents and grandparents reading to kids from the word go.

[JB]

Yes, Dale, a marvellous legacy. JB :)

[Katie]

For mothers day I got the Harry potter box set of books, I'm reading "Harry potter and the philosopher's stone" to the girls ATM, they have my old copies from when I was a kid that they adore and sleep with LOL yes Brenda my girls are Harry mad aswell.

[Kelly]

I started reading at about 4 years old. My nan used to buy me Enid Blyton books when I was about 7-8. I don't remember at time either where I haven't enjoyed reading. Maybe it has something to do with being an early reader.

[Dale]

I think that's true and being read to early on as well, Kelly. Helps if kids see Mum and Dad with books too. Can you tell I'm passionate about this subject?

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Katie wrote: "For mothers day I got the Harry potter box set of books, I'm reading "Harry potter and the philosopher's stone" to the girls ATM, they have my old copies from when I was a kid that they adore and s..."

Haha!! Oh Katie;)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Totally agree Dale! A wonderful start to a childs life:)

[Kassassinn]

According to my Mum, I've been a big reader since I could walk! She says she always used to take me to the mobile library & while she would look for books, I would pick up a whole heap of children's books and just look at the pictures until I got to an age where I could actually read the words.

[A.C.]

I had an eye operation when I was eight. They said I couldn't watch TV for 3 weeks...but no one said books were taboo so in sheer boredom I started reading. First book was a kid's book of short stories set in Australia. The one I still remember was about a girl and her younger sister who were caught up in a bushfire. The older girl took her sister to the train tracks and they lay between the rails until the fire passed over them.

I still don't know if you /can/ survive a bushfire by doing that but the story has stuck with me for 52 years. :)

Can't say I stopped watching TV after that, but that was the start of my love affair with books and things of the imagination. Now I [try] to write the books I'd like to read.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's a good story AC, I like that one:)

[Sharon]

Winnie the Poo was the first book I fell in love with. I won it in a newspaper colouring-in competition – I think for bookweek. First prize, presented by the Mayor of Auburn, and it was so beautifully illustrated I carted it around for weeks.

Back then, well sometimes it still slips out, I had a slight speech impediment and had special English classes througout school and it also involved lots and lots of reading. I used to get made fun of at school because of the way I talked and not long after winning Winnie the Poo, I was reading Robyn Hood alone, and when Little John jumped onto the bridge, I decided I was going to grow up and be a writer and write stories so people wouldn’t make fun of me LOL

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

That's a great story too Sharon:) It's amazing the different things that happened in childhood to affect people in so many different ways, isn't it...

[Sharon]

Brenda wrote: "That's a great story too Sharon:) It's amazing the different things that happened in childhood to affect people in so many different ways, isn't it..."

Yeah, it is. I was nine then, and that moment is still real clear in my mind. I told my nan I wanted to be a writer and she went and brought me a typwriter, cost her a bit of cash on time payment. Sadly she never got to see Australian Flavour - it is dedicated to my nan's and it was that grandmother's death that prompted Australian Flavour, thinking about all the things she would never experience - the foods she had loved.

[Carlyn]

The book that started my love of reading were The Animorphs by K.A Applegate. The Animorphs was a young adult series about a bunch of teenagers who could change into animals to save the world from alien invasion. I loved those books because the teens were so empowered and the books were action packed. When I started to read those books, my vocabulary improved and so did my spelling. I moved up in reading groups. It was a nice boost for my self esteem as a kid.

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

They sound good too Carlyn...looks like you are also new to the group. Welcome, lovely to have you with us:) If you'd like to introduce yourself here http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/3... everyone can say HI:)

[A.C.]

Kelly wrote: "I started reading at about 4 years old. My nan used to buy me Enid Blyton books when I was about 7-8. I don't remember at time either where I haven't enjoyed reading. Maybe it has something to do w..."

Oh the Famous Five! I loved those books. :)

[A.C.]

Brenda wrote: "That's a good story AC, I like that one:)"

Little things can have a huge influence on our lives. Real butterfy wings flapping stuff. :)

[JB]

A.C. wrote: "Kelly wrote: "I started reading at about 4 years old. My nan used to buy me Enid Blyton books when I was about 7-8. I don't remember at time either where I haven't enjoyed reading. Maybe it has som..."

What wonderful adventures I went on with Enid Blyton. Now I am teaching English and yesterday a new young student arrived and brought along her favourite book. It was an Enid Blyton (Bimbo and Topsy). She is not the first student to indicate Enid Blyton as a favourite author but every time it happens I get excited. (All right so I'm still a big kid!)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Aren't we all JB? ;)

[Heather]

I would say little golden books. I can remember they used to sell them like lollies at the supermarket checkout when I was little. But the only book I have retained from my childhood - was from my grandmother's and I read it every Christmas and that is "Bill Frog to the Rescue" by CAM.

[A.C.]

JB wrote: "A.C. wrote: "Kelly wrote: "I started reading at about 4 years old. My nan used to buy me Enid Blyton books when I was about 7-8. I don't remember at time either where I haven't enjoyed reading. May..."

I still love her work too, and I'm 60! Have you ever read her children's version of the Pilgrim's Progress? Probably long out of print now but it's called The Land of Far Beyond and it's still one my daughter remembers with great fondess.

[JB]

Hi A.C.

No, I have not read it but how like Enid Blyton to come up with a title that is sure to entice children. I'd much rather read 'The Land of Far Beyond' than 'The Pilgrim's Progess'. :-)
The Land of Far Beyond: A re-telling of 'The Pilgrim's Progress'

JB (Nice to know it is still available.)

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

Thanks for this guys....I'd like to see if I can chase this up. :)

[Liza]

Definitely Enid Blyton. Such fond memories of The Famous Five. I remember being ill in hospital at age 10 and demanding a new Enid Blyton every day. Woe betide my parents if they brought in the same one twice! (which they did, a few times).

[Brenda, Aussie Authors Queen]

I am sure that many of us (oldies) loved Enid Blyton! I also enjoyed The Famous Five Series plus The Secret Seven

[Richard]

My uncle lent me Christine by Stephen King when I was 12. My mother was furious and kept confiscating it. It was the first "big" book I'd ever read and my mother would pursue me around the house shouting that it was sick filth and I should not be reading it. She called my estranged father demanding he talk with me (he didn't) and she kept confiscating it from my room before I would pinch it back the next day. When I was on the last 70 pages I ended up having to lock myself in the bathroom to finish it while she hammered on the door demanding I hand the book over.

My mum was (is) as little cracked in the brain, but being a 12 year old boy locked in the bathroom with a novel rather than the lingerie section of a catalogue has always amused me