Morning all,
I am taking this week to talk not directly about writing, but about books! Of course, the books we read and love shape who we are as writers, so it’s still relevant in a sense.
The reason I’ve chosen to talk about books from my childhood is because today is my birthday! I turn 26 today, and so it seems like a perfect time to reflect on my childhood favourites.
Don’t forget to let me know your faves at the end of this post!
1. The Harry Potter series – J.K. Rowling
I’m not sure many 26 year old book worms will have a list that doesn’t include Harry Potter. I fell in love with the Harry Potter books in the late 90s and am so grateful to have been part of the generation that grew up waiting for the new books to be released. These books were and are simply perfect; magic, fantasy, friendship, adventure, humour, morals…and what I love is, as I’ve re-read them over the years (many, many times) I have gained more and more insight every time.
2. Matilda – Roald Dahl
A book about a book worm! Roald Dahl stories were read to us in primary school and many are firm favourites. But Matilda is number one for me. I love this story about an intelligent, feisty young girl who fights back against her awful family and headteacher with wit, defiance and magic.
3. Peter Pan – J.M. Barrie
I always loved every Peter Pan inspired story. The Disney adaptation, pantomimes, plays…the book has inspired so many art forms and for me, the story fills me with wonder. It is emotional at times, with an underlying sadness to the excitement and adventure, but I think that helps make it the perfect children’s story.
4. The Catcher in the Rye – J.D. Salinger
This one is more for teenage me, than childhood me. I studied The Catcher in the Rye when I was 15/16 and I loved the book. I was completely fascinated by Holden’s story and Salinger’s writing style was one I’d not really come across until this. He gave Holden a truly unique voice that makes you feel as though you’ve been sat down by him while he tells you about his life.
Next week, I will be back with more writing advice, but for now I am off to celebrate my birthday!
Please comment below with your favourite childhood stories; I’d love to know more about you all!
Have a wonderful Sunday,
and keep writing (and reading!),
M
x
Loved this 🙂 My favourites included other Roald Dahl books (e.g. Fantastic Mr. Fox, Danny The Champion of the World) and the “Secret Seven” books.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great choices!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
One of my favorite books I read as a kid was called “Raptor Red.” It was written by a paleontologist and was essentially a narrative of dinosaur life from the POV of a raptor. Very interesting. 😀
LikeLiked by 1 person
That sounds pretty awesome!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I absolutely LOVE Harry Potter, and Matilda. Especially because of the female, book-obsessed protagonists – they were (and still are) my role models. Apart from that, I remember being obsessed with Andrew Clements’s School Story (and all the rest of his books tbh, but this one in particular) because it was about a girl my age who wrote a book and got it published. It was super inspiring, and I still go back to it sometimes when I feel discouraged about writing, just to remind myself that anyone can do it if they try!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aw that sounds like such a lovely story, I will have to take a peek! Thank you for commenting ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy birthday! I hope you had a lovely day 😊
I don’t have a strong memory of particular books from my childhood – even though I was an avid reader. I have however, read many of the classics to my children. The Magic Faraway Tree, despite it’s writing being from a different era, was a particular favourite.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you 🙂 I did have a lovely birthday!
Aw, I am so excited to read to my children when I become a mother one day. Such a special experience to share ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Some great choices there!!! For me, my favourite childhood books were The Dragon Keeper trilogy! It was written by Carole Wilkinson and was set in old world china and from the point of view of a little slave girl who escaped her master with his dragon! I remember scouring my school library to find those books 😅😂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Awww, childhood books are the best ❤ Love looking back on old favourites x
LikeLike
I loved Enid Blyton books, especially The Enchanted Wood and The Naughtiest Girl series. Then I loved Roald Dahl’s books. I also liked Snugglepot and Cuddlepie which is an Aussie classic.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Ahh those are great choices ❤ I love children's stories, even now.
LikeLike