I became a lover of books at the age of 8.
I went to one of those schools where reading was a big deal. We had a class library, had reading sessions and had to take books home once a week.
In Year two I fell in love with Edward Lear’s poem “The Owl and the Pussy Cat” thanks to the large chart on the wall. It opened my mind to a whole new world; that of imagination.
By the time I was in Year 4 I had fallen in so love with the written word that I had read the whole collection of the Famous Five and Secret Seven by Enid Blyton as well as some of the Five Find Outers (I’ve always loved mystery and crime stories so it’s no surprise that now the Crime and Investigation channel is one of my favourites).
It was about this time that started reading books like Watership Down and the Malory Towers and Chalet School series which I read all through to Year Five.
Now every now and then we would watch movies in class. Sometimes as a treat and sometimes as part of the lesson. So when, while learning about the Second World War, we watched The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe (which is part of the chronicles of Narnia series) I just had to go seek it out and ended up finishing that whole collection. There’s a lot to be said about fantasy books.
I had a lot of exposure to books growing up and I’m thankful that there were people dedicated to teaching the beauty of reading.
One author in particular I grew to love was Roald Dahl, famous for writing stories such as Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, James and the Giant Peach, The Twits, the BFG etc. He just had the perfect way with words blended with the right amount of humour.
I couldn’t possibly count the number of books I’ve read but I can say that books have for the better part of my life been my greatest friends.
When most children after school would go outside and play, I would get home and jump into the bathtub (doing more reading than bathing I might add).
I read all the time, everywhere. In my bed, in the bath, under the table, in the garden, in the car and yes even up in the trees.
For hours and hours I would sit and get lost in new world’s that had been conjured up in the minds of brilliant authors. Books have always been my way of dealing with life.
Many people would say it’s a wonder I ever passed any exams because I spent a lot of time reading everything other than my school books but then again that’s how I deal with pressure. I would read right before a big exam and just chill out for the most part.
I try to read at the very least a book a month (And yes comic books do count). My exposure to literary material has help shape the creative that I am today.
It’s up to each of us to help improve the reading culture of the next generation which is being eroded constantly. Teach a child to read and help shape their future. Help Change the world.
An ABC a day can help Chase Poverty away, especially in under developed countries.
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