For the love of books: My origin story

Plastic chairs, braces, a leaky water dispenser, and Shakespeare.

Rochak Shukla | freepix.com

I was in primary school and sat in the small library, between the main hall and the music room, tucked away at the back. Plastic chairs and tables were set in the middle while books lined the walls from door to door. I think the seats were yellow. Or possibly red. A water dispenser dripped in the corner. The library always smelled of instant coffee.

I must have been seven or eight, my hair pulled back into a tight ponytail, an unfortunate jaw jutted forward, and my teeth coated in metal braces that looked like ice cubes set in my mouth. My fringe was just that little bit too short and my socks were perpetually rolled down. I sat there, surrounded by neat rows of books, each marked with a small, coloured sticker indicating its reading level.

I had this powerful itch to read one of the ‘forbidden’ books, the ones reserved for top readers. I wanted to be the best reader in my class, the first to tackle the highest-level book. So, I dedicated myself to the task, pushing myself to improve my reading skills. The library soon became my sanctuary.

The first book I remember falling for was Romeo and Juliet. Well, a copy that mainly contained pictures with a few words scattered here and there. Sure it wasn’t pure prose, but all the same, I was fascinated. There was something magical about the tragic romance between Romeo and Juliet, even in its simplified form. The artwork brought the story to life, and the snippets of text hinted at a depth of emotion and drama I had yet to fully understand.

Next came A Midsummer Night’s Dream, with its whimsical fairies and tangled love stories, and then Macbeth, with its dark themes of ambition and fate. This marked the beginning of my love affair with books and, of course, the works of William Shakespeare. From that moment, I was hooked. Shakespeare's works opened a door to a world of complex characters and intricate plots that I found endlessly absorbing. In no time at all, I became hungry for more.

As my literacy skills grew, so did my appetite for a diverse range of books. I began to explore the works of J.K. Rowling, Jacqueline Wilson, Roald Dahl, Michael Morpurgo, and Malorie Blackman. Each of these authors left an indelible mark on my childhood and their books became milestones in my literary journey. I remember reading the Harry Potter series, captivated by the magical world Rowling created. The characters felt like friends, and I eagerly awaited each new instalment, desperate to know what would happen next.

Jacqueline Wilson's writing helped me navigate the complexities of growing up, offering comfort and understanding, while Michael Morpurgo's novels, such as War Horse and Private Peaceful, introduced me to historical fiction, allowing me to connect with the past through his characters. Malorie Blackman’s powerful narratives opened my eyes to the injustices in the world and challenged me to think critically about issues of race, class, and inequality.

“Stories make you think and dream; books make you want to ask questions.” - Michael Morpurgo

Each of these authors links back to specific memories, like caravan holidays in Weymouth and the excitement of getting my first library card. These books weren't just stories; they were companions on my journey through childhood.

I learned early on that the magic of books lies in their ability to transport us away from reality into the realm of imagination. When I read, the words pull me from the everyday and immerse me in the unfolding story, free from distractions. Academically, I was passable at school but, I wasn’t in a sports team, nor did I play a musical instrument or make it onto the debate team. So, the characters in these books became relatable figures, offering solace and companionship. A friendship of sorts.

“I try to have reasonable happy endings because I would hate any child to be cast down in gloom and despair; I want to show them you can find a way out of it.” - Jacqueline Wilson

Authors are incredibly generous. They allow us to borrow their words, embrace their characters' emotions, and lose ourselves in their fictional worlds. Great writing may make us want to shake the author’s hand in gratitude, but exceptional writing compels us to revisit the same text repeatedly, finding new insights and deeper connections each time.

Imagine a world without books - it would be a tragically sad place indeed. Books educate, entertain, make us laugh, make us cry, and always leave us wanting more. The act of turning to the next page becomes addictive, and the scent of new paperbacks intoxicating (to all the book sniffers out there - I see you). Reading introduces us to worlds we might never visit, people we might never meet, and adventures we might never undertake.

Books have a unique power to set us free. They offer an escape, a way to pause and breathe, and a means to connect deeply with stories that resonate across time and space. Through books, we discover the beauty of the written word and the profound impact it can have on our lives. They remind us that we are not alone, that our experiences and emotions are shared by others, and that there is always a story waiting to be discovered.

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What is your reading origin story? I would honestly love to know, so please share in the comments below.

As always, happy reading!

Until next time,

Sian | Criminally Creepy Books