Earlier this year I decided to revisit books I read when quite young as well as some much loved stories of years ago.
I began with re-reading "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland", probably for about the fifth time. I still found it so fascinating. I always loved that white rabbit. Such a gentleman.
I also re-read "Daddy-Long-Legs" which was always one of my favourites and I recently borrowed "Dear Enemy" from my daughter and read it for the first time. I didn't enjoy quite as much as its predecessor although I still found the story of the orphanage sad but so very humorous as well. Perhaps, having read "Daddy-Long-Legs" first I more or less guessed what the ending would be and, of course, it was the right one.
Another of my favourites was "The Secret Garden" (I had also seen the film years ago) and when I read it again last month it inspired me at a time when I was felling quite down. I found the magic it contained gave me quite a lift when I needed it. I am now reading "Little Lord Fauntleroy" for the first time and thoroughly enjoying it. I am hoping it too has a happy ending.
Whilst reading the above books I read several of H.E. Bates' books which are always good for a laugh and I shall read more of them as the year progresses.
In my bookcase I also have "Kidnapped" which I enjoyed when I was a child and "Robinson Crusoe". Shall I read them as well I wonder of just keep them there until a great-granddaughter or two is old enough to enjoy them. I may even find a copy of "Black Beauty" as that I do remember as a favourite and I've always loved horses.
After this I will be looking forward to the new book by Lee Child, due out in September.
I remember Alice and The Secret Garden...have you read Heidi or Black Beauty?
ReplyDeleteHeidi? No but Black Beauty yes, as mentioned above. You see so much more in these stories when you read them as an adult.
DeleteHari OM
ReplyDeleteDo you know, I am not certain that I ever actually read Alice in wonderland...? I do recall The Little Prince and Black Beauty, Wind in the Willows. But I was one of those horrid little 'Hermione's who was onto War and Peace by the age of nine... and science fiction... oh and The Famous Five... (you started something Mimsie!!!) YAM xx
Oh yes I forget Wind in the Willows. Phil used to read that to our three youngest grandchildren when they were put to bed in our queen bed before we played cards with their folks on Saturday nights. The Little Prince I don't know and I believe the Famous Five before my time but the grandchildren loved them.
DeleteI can see there is a lot of catch up reading on younger people's books ahead of me. xx
Hari OM... I know you would enjoy these!
DeleteThe Little Prince
The Famous Five
YAM xx
Reading my childhood books to my children taught me that they can be just as pleasurable when led later in life! When reading them through adult eyes, they take on new meanings - while connecting us to memories of our childhood! I have a copy of an Enid Blyton novel on my nightstand right now! (I loved this author - my Grannie would add to my collection any time she visited London, as I think perhaps they were not as easy to find in Canada!)
ReplyDeleteYou are so right Susan as with Gulliver's Travels which by rights is an adult book but children also love it. It's the adults that see the messages about life it contains.
DeleteI think I was too young for Enid Blyton myself but I do know my grandchildren loved her stories.
I wonder do children these days miss out on a lot of these delights because of computer games and the like? All the wonders that were contained on those pages back then.
You have some of my favourites here. And I reread children's books as well.
ReplyDeleteAlice Through the Looking Glass is different - but still has charm.
You might like Tove Jansson's 'Moomintroll' series too. I reread them at least once every year.
I am about the begin on The Looking Glass tonight with some trepidation as I feel it will be 'different' as you say but will persevere this time.
DeleteI will check out your suggestion of the "Moomintroll" series. Perhaps on eBay to begin with and will let you know how I get on.
My childhood favourites were Heidi, Pollyanna, Black Beauty and the Chalet School series by an author I can't quite remember.
ReplyDeleteAnd I've never read those overly long books that ramble on all over the place, I prefer stories that stick to the point. I'm looking forward to the next Lee Child myself.
Now you've reminded me of course of Pollyanna, and Little Women and Jo's Boys etc etc and Katy Did and so on.
DeleteHeidi as said above I missed and the Chalet School series may have been after my childhood perhaps.
I felt you would agree with me about 'rambling' stories that become almost a chore to get through at times. I often wonder if the authors get paid by the number of words they write rather than the excellence of the story.
Lee Child's new book is called "Personal" and is due for release in Oz on 2nd September so not too long to wait now.