I want to start a somewhat different sort of conversation here: What made you into a book reader?

[northoftheborder]

9. similar history to those posts above with me

I learned to read at home, with my mother, who taught me 1st grade. She had been a teacher, and had lots of children's books, which I devoured over and over. Don't remember NOT knowing how to read. I loved the fairy tales, princess stories, Louisa May Alcott books, later Nancy Drew and Wizard of Oz series. My dad, a teacher of literature, insisted I read Dickens at age 13, Mark Twain, and other classics, which I could read, but did not have the historical background to understand what was going on and so enjoyed rereading later. When visiting grandparents I read every book in their house. This was long before television. In the summer we had to entertain ourselves, no camp, little family travel, so reading was my main diversion. I still love to read, although I've gone through a period when I read non-fiction more, but now I'm going back to fiction. I've inherited books, bought books, checked out library books, listened to audio tapes in the car, and now I'm reading books on my IPad. I'm going to have to cull my library soon, will not have room for all of them - guess will donate to library, or try reselling some of them.

I have managed to pass on my love of reading to several grandchildren, and one of my sons, who mainly listens to audio books during his long commute. Me manages to go through a lot that way.

One thing I wish I had started long ago, is a list of all the books I've read; would be very interesting to review. Reading so enriches one's depth of knowledge, vocabulary, and understanding of other cultures. Can't imagine life without reading, or listening to stories.