Bert and Nan, my old friends. What a nice surprise to be reminded of one of my favorite childhood book series! And nice to recall reading after going to bed, only I used a flashlight under the covers until my eyes would ache. I was was also admonished about ruining my eyes if I kept it up, and when I needed glasses in 6th grade I knew it was my own fault. I had to go look at one of my books, “The Bobbsey Twins On A Bicycle Trip”. It wasn’t one of my favorites, but inside the title page I found a printed warning: “This book belongs to Jackie Lund. Do not destroy or damage in any way. $9.00 Fine” It seems my little sister’s name had been written in my book and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mess with it! Thank you for reminding me of my love of books. You can borrow this one any time, if you’re careful. ☺️
I have so enjoyed all your posts; beautiful writing, deep thinking and such wisdom. And _ _ _ _ that you have covid and are missing your big event! BooHoo- totally sucks! My sister used to read exactly the same way - by flashlight; I was never so committed! Wishing you only the very best.
Thanks Heather! So nice to hear from you. I'm very touched that you're reading my essays. This has been a very joyful adventure for me. All the best to you as well.
First - I hope you are feeling better! I love this tour through your childhood books and a wonderful moment when you were discovered. I love this: "From then on, I’d turn my light out at 9pm on the dot. Then I’d take my book and go lie down on the floor by my nightlight and read some more." I wish I had the kind of memory you do and the ability to call back things like this and look in on myself fifty years ago (or even five). It's a treasure.... and that you weave it into beautiful vignettes for the rest of us to enjoy is a gift.
Thank you for this wonderful feedback, Amy. Memory is a funny thing. There are so many things I do remember, and there are also huge gaps from different times in my life. I worry about losing my memory as I age. Have to get my book(s?) written before that might become an actual concern, and not just a neurotic preoccupation! I love writing these essays. Being able to reflect back on a childhood that I sometimes dwell on with great sadness, and find the treasured moments provides me with a sense of balance and gratitude.
The truth is Nan, I don't know where to start on leaving you a comment on this essay. Sometimes you're reading and you feel that connection with a kindred spirit - you've done that here for me, with almost every paragraph. I started writing an essay yesterday about books that changed my life and reading this felt like a sister essay to me, for lack of a better way of putting it. I love how your writing not only pulls us into your childhood, but right back to our own. Books were (and are my life), I can relate to the loneliness of childhood, the reading ahead of our time (I read all of my sisters summer high school reading and she was (is) 7 years older than me) as well as the childhood memory you recall that give you goosebumps. I bet we would have been great childhood friends.
Oh, I love this. Thank you so much for your generous response. Yes, kindred spirits. There's no better people in my mind then book people! Are we lucky?
Nan, What a beautiful story. I just loved reading about the books you cherished as a child. I too loved Madeline and all the books you shared. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
I loved this, Nan. I grew up with my head in books, not sure I would have survived without them! When I was little Maurice Sendak and Shel Silverstein were my go-to’s. Though The Giving Tree always depressed me to no end. As I got older, my stepmom let me take anything from her floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the living room. I probably could have used a teensy bit more supervision with my choices - I read Watership Down in 3rd grade and The Color Purple in 4th but I don’t know. It taught me to appreciate great writing. I just loved getting immersed in a story, I think it saved my life. I’m so sorry you have Covid and hope you aren’t feeling too terrible! Hugs 🤍
Thanks for reading, Ally. I wasn't a fan of Shel Silverstein. The Giving Tree was too, too sad. My parents never limited my choices in books. I felt very supported and respected in that area of my life. They never said no to books I wanted to own or read. And when I was a teenager, my dad started coming to me for recommendations. And he did so until he died. We loved sharing books. Thanks for the hugs. Sending some back to you.
I just remember thinking that boy in The Giving Tree was so selfish and ungrateful and I wished the tree would stop giving him everything. I became the tree in a few relationships, though, lol. But I loved Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. I’ll also say your essay made me think of all the years I read to my kids at bedtime. We used to pile into my bed and I’d read to them for at least an hour. This went on for years. Now they’re teenagers and they’re both readers which makes my heart happy.
That's so lovely about your kids. I never had kids, but when I was a teenager, I started a story hour group in my backyard, and all the littles would come, and for a dollar, I'd read stories to them. I loved that!
I used to hide books behind the laundry hamper in the bathroom, because the bathroom was a time-out zone so to speak. I was a Nancy Drew fan, envious of her spunk and freedom, but always worried about her because her mother had apparently gone on. Anyhow, for a Covid brain, and even otherwise, this is lovely. Madeline. Ah Madeline. xo
Oh, Nan, I lovelovelove this one! The night light!
I went to the same Maurice Sendak/Orson Bean as a kid and remember it vividly. My family must have been pretty close—I could swear I remember the smell of the magic marker and sound of his hands flipping pages on the pad. What if we sat next to each other??
Let's just say we did! I love that you were there too. It's so perfect. I was thrilled to see your response. And to find that image of Mr. Sendak on the interwebs with the exact date of the event. It was the only mention I could find. Write on, sister!
Mr. Sendak was my hero, and by lucky happenstance he was a family friend, or at least a close enough friend of my parents' friends that I met him a few times and sent him a fan letter. He actually wrote back, signing his name with a drawing I still have and cherish.
That's amazing. I think you may have mentioned that once. He was one of my heroes. Absolutely adored him, and that adoration grew as I became an adult and had some access to the man outside the stories. What a great human.
Nan, Such loving and wonderful memories you expressed today. Thank you for sharing this with your family, friends and followers. Keep writing about the good times. xo, Mom
LOVE this essay. And I think little girl you and little girl me would have liked each other, although I did like Pippi Longstocking. I loved silliness and admired her boldness, confidence, and outrageousness. The only reason I read those annoying, saccharine Bobsey twins though was because it was a series and I wanted to read more and more and more! We still don’t have the same taste in books (I mean… Little Women?!) and yet books are one of the things that you and talk about all the time!
Books saved me again and again throughout my childhood and adolescence. Whenever you write about your deep love of reading I feel so connected to you.
I know that about you and yes, we absolutely share that love of reading. I read all the time. I can’t imagine my life without books and curiosity.
I so love reading your stories Nan. So vivid and wonderful!
Thanks, Karen! I love writing them...
Can’t believe you found a photo of that Sendak appearance! How great.
And that you read Portnoy’s Complaint at 11. Whew…
Feel better soon, Nan! Serial Covid infections? Ugh.
Thanks Pamela! Did you see the message from Nina? She was there too, apparently. Small, small world.
I missed that….
Hurray for readers!
'Learn to tell your story. It will save your life.' Mark L, circa 1983, Metropolis Club, Washington D.C.
Bert and Nan, my old friends. What a nice surprise to be reminded of one of my favorite childhood book series! And nice to recall reading after going to bed, only I used a flashlight under the covers until my eyes would ache. I was was also admonished about ruining my eyes if I kept it up, and when I needed glasses in 6th grade I knew it was my own fault. I had to go look at one of my books, “The Bobbsey Twins On A Bicycle Trip”. It wasn’t one of my favorites, but inside the title page I found a printed warning: “This book belongs to Jackie Lund. Do not destroy or damage in any way. $9.00 Fine” It seems my little sister’s name had been written in my book and I wanted to make sure she didn’t mess with it! Thank you for reminding me of my love of books. You can borrow this one any time, if you’re careful. ☺️
The fine is so funny!
Omg. I love this, Jackie!!! Thank you for sharing your memories with us.
I have so enjoyed all your posts; beautiful writing, deep thinking and such wisdom. And _ _ _ _ that you have covid and are missing your big event! BooHoo- totally sucks! My sister used to read exactly the same way - by flashlight; I was never so committed! Wishing you only the very best.
Thanks Heather! So nice to hear from you. I'm very touched that you're reading my essays. This has been a very joyful adventure for me. All the best to you as well.
First - I hope you are feeling better! I love this tour through your childhood books and a wonderful moment when you were discovered. I love this: "From then on, I’d turn my light out at 9pm on the dot. Then I’d take my book and go lie down on the floor by my nightlight and read some more." I wish I had the kind of memory you do and the ability to call back things like this and look in on myself fifty years ago (or even five). It's a treasure.... and that you weave it into beautiful vignettes for the rest of us to enjoy is a gift.
Thank you for this wonderful feedback, Amy. Memory is a funny thing. There are so many things I do remember, and there are also huge gaps from different times in my life. I worry about losing my memory as I age. Have to get my book(s?) written before that might become an actual concern, and not just a neurotic preoccupation! I love writing these essays. Being able to reflect back on a childhood that I sometimes dwell on with great sadness, and find the treasured moments provides me with a sense of balance and gratitude.
The truth is Nan, I don't know where to start on leaving you a comment on this essay. Sometimes you're reading and you feel that connection with a kindred spirit - you've done that here for me, with almost every paragraph. I started writing an essay yesterday about books that changed my life and reading this felt like a sister essay to me, for lack of a better way of putting it. I love how your writing not only pulls us into your childhood, but right back to our own. Books were (and are my life), I can relate to the loneliness of childhood, the reading ahead of our time (I read all of my sisters summer high school reading and she was (is) 7 years older than me) as well as the childhood memory you recall that give you goosebumps. I bet we would have been great childhood friends.
Oh, I love this. Thank you so much for your generous response. Yes, kindred spirits. There's no better people in my mind then book people! Are we lucky?
Very!
Nan, What a beautiful story. I just loved reading about the books you cherished as a child. I too loved Madeline and all the books you shared. Thank you for sharing your stories with us.
Thanks Antonia!
I loved this, Nan. I grew up with my head in books, not sure I would have survived without them! When I was little Maurice Sendak and Shel Silverstein were my go-to’s. Though The Giving Tree always depressed me to no end. As I got older, my stepmom let me take anything from her floor-to-ceiling bookshelves in the living room. I probably could have used a teensy bit more supervision with my choices - I read Watership Down in 3rd grade and The Color Purple in 4th but I don’t know. It taught me to appreciate great writing. I just loved getting immersed in a story, I think it saved my life. I’m so sorry you have Covid and hope you aren’t feeling too terrible! Hugs 🤍
Thanks for reading, Ally. I wasn't a fan of Shel Silverstein. The Giving Tree was too, too sad. My parents never limited my choices in books. I felt very supported and respected in that area of my life. They never said no to books I wanted to own or read. And when I was a teenager, my dad started coming to me for recommendations. And he did so until he died. We loved sharing books. Thanks for the hugs. Sending some back to you.
I just remember thinking that boy in The Giving Tree was so selfish and ungrateful and I wished the tree would stop giving him everything. I became the tree in a few relationships, though, lol. But I loved Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic. I’ll also say your essay made me think of all the years I read to my kids at bedtime. We used to pile into my bed and I’d read to them for at least an hour. This went on for years. Now they’re teenagers and they’re both readers which makes my heart happy.
That's so lovely about your kids. I never had kids, but when I was a teenager, I started a story hour group in my backyard, and all the littles would come, and for a dollar, I'd read stories to them. I loved that!
That is amazing. Lucky littles.
I used to hide books behind the laundry hamper in the bathroom, because the bathroom was a time-out zone so to speak. I was a Nancy Drew fan, envious of her spunk and freedom, but always worried about her because her mother had apparently gone on. Anyhow, for a Covid brain, and even otherwise, this is lovely. Madeline. Ah Madeline. xo
I didn't love mysteries so much. I always had trouble figuring them out! And yes, Madeline. xoxo
Oh, Nan, I lovelovelove this one! The night light!
I went to the same Maurice Sendak/Orson Bean as a kid and remember it vividly. My family must have been pretty close—I could swear I remember the smell of the magic marker and sound of his hands flipping pages on the pad. What if we sat next to each other??
Feel better, and keep writing. I know you will!
Let's just say we did! I love that you were there too. It's so perfect. I was thrilled to see your response. And to find that image of Mr. Sendak on the interwebs with the exact date of the event. It was the only mention I could find. Write on, sister!
Mr. Sendak was my hero, and by lucky happenstance he was a family friend, or at least a close enough friend of my parents' friends that I met him a few times and sent him a fan letter. He actually wrote back, signing his name with a drawing I still have and cherish.
That's amazing. I think you may have mentioned that once. He was one of my heroes. Absolutely adored him, and that adoration grew as I became an adult and had some access to the man outside the stories. What a great human.
Nan, Such loving and wonderful memories you expressed today. Thank you for sharing this with your family, friends and followers. Keep writing about the good times. xo, Mom
Thanks Mom. I'm looking forward to writing about everything! xoxo
LOVE this essay. And I think little girl you and little girl me would have liked each other, although I did like Pippi Longstocking. I loved silliness and admired her boldness, confidence, and outrageousness. The only reason I read those annoying, saccharine Bobsey twins though was because it was a series and I wanted to read more and more and more! We still don’t have the same taste in books (I mean… Little Women?!) and yet books are one of the things that you and talk about all the time!
Thanks Linda. I love that we share a passion for books and reading. xoxo.