Do you remember your favorite book from childhood?
When I was between the ages of 10 and 12, I had the great pleasure of living with my dear GrandMommy Ernestine and Grandfather Walter in Gary, Indiana. GrandMommy was my angel and their home was my refuge. I have vivid memories of living there that I will cherish forever.
One of my favorite memories is GrandMommy’s book collection that she amassed from a Harlequin romance novel subscription. If you stacked them all on a table, they were taller than me and I was tall for my age. I read them all in one summer. These were definitely my favorite books in childhood. They helped me to escape to other locations and other times.
This was a period of time where both of my parents were struggling, and I needed a healthy way to comfort myself. Good stories in books and on tv became sources of comfort for me during a very uncertain and uncomfortable time in my life.
I don’t think I have picked up a Harlequin book since that summer, but I am still a huge fan of romance, especially when historical or science fiction elements are mixed in.
I don’t remember a specific book title that stood out the most. Harlequin romances usually had cheesy titles like “Dark and Dangerous” or “The Winds of Winter”. The main books that I remember the best usually had a beautiful or unusual location. The writers were skilled at sharing word pictures that helped you feel like you were there with the main characters. This is what kept me reading, even though I am aware they’re not respected as the “best” examples of literature.
As I get older, I love smiling to myself and reminiscing about great memories of my young life. Living with my grandparents was definitely a highlight of my childhood. They loved me, took great care of me, and gave me space and time to do what I loved most: getting lost in great stories set in great locations. I am so grateful for them.
