When the Magic Began

As I thought about what I wanted to write to start out the new year, I went back and reviewed some of our past blogs. It was fun to see how many different areas we’ve covered and how many regular readers we’ve picked up over the course of the year. I love Kerry’s witch story and the way everything she writes comes out like a sonnet, Rob’s peeping tom story and Coke insights, Julie’s standing up for Canada and for kids who have to go at the post office (way to get those childless folks riled up!), Sariah’s amazing Book of Mormon knowledge and constant reminders that it doesn’t snow in California (not to mention her new babe and book on the way), and Stephanie’s insights on everything from plot twists to Christmas bells (oh and mouse droppings in the bathroom.

So first of all, a big thanks to the other bloggers for letting me be a part of your group. (I haven’t really decided if we’re the cool kids who all eat lunch together at the front table or the un-cool kids who stick together at the back table and make fun of the cool kids, while secretly wishing we were a part of them—but I have my suspicions.) And a huge thanks to all our guest bloggers.

Second, thanks so much to those of you who read this blog and make it so much better with your great comments. You are a huge part of this group—cool or un-cool. Mean Aunt, FHL, Jennie, Amy, Dewd, Tristi, Trixie, Matthew, Kent, Annette, evil HR lady, Chilly, Keith, Marsha, annegb, sweebler, anon, and the rest of you, you guys are great.

While a lot has happened over the last year from Stephanie joining us, to Kerry’s boys protecting those in need in Iraq, to The Acquisition (which must be referred to in capital letters), to Rob’s hula skirt, and of course all the new titles, I thought I’d focus on the one thing that ties us all together—no not Stephanie’s mouse droppings—books.

I was thinking back and trying to remember the books that started things off for me. Probably like most of you, I read a ton of books growing up as a kid (wonder how many I would have read if we’d had cable TV, the internet, computers, video games, VCR/DVDs, etc? Makes me shudder.)

But what books started the magic for you? What books took hold of your imagination like a kite and pulled you so far up from earth you couldn’t see the ground? Also do you have any specific memories or where you were when you felt the magic? Hiding under your blankets with a flashlight? On the back lawn under a shady tree?

Here are a couple of mine. The first book I remember just flooring me was “My Side of the Mountain.” After finishing that book, I was all set to run away, go up into the mountains, and live in a tree for the rest of my life. That’s the first book which caught me so completely up that I totally lost track of time. I’d sit at my desk in class during reading time and completely forget I was at school until the teacher told us to put away our books. Thanks Jean Craighead George.

The next really strong memory I have is of “The Outsiders.” Did anyone of my generation not read that book? For me it was in the garage attic of my family’s Pleasant Hill, CA house laying on a fort up in the rafters, eating cherries like crazy, and following the Socs and the Greasers. I also think that was the book that made me think I might be able to write something myself. Thanks S.E. Hinton

Speaking of eating fruit, another strong memory is of a summer spent at a cabin up by Tahoe, when Tahoe wasn’t like it is today. I hadn’t brought any books, but I discovered a huge tome of Aesop’s fables. Every afternoon I would sit out on the second story deck under the shade of a big pine tree and eat apples while I read about foxes, and dogs, and ducks, and pigs. To this day it is still my best vacation memory. Thanks Aesop.

Finally I couldn’t get away without mentioning, LOTR. Wow! I had no idea fantasy could be so immersive. I wonder if anyone has ever read Lord of the Rings and not come away with the life altered at least a little. I imagine it’s probably like how today’s kids feel about Harry Potter. But for me, Tolkien will always be so much more grand. Thanks J.R.R.

Of course there are lots more. Asimov’s Foundation trilogy showed me how cool SF could be. Dune enthralled me. To Kill a Mocking Bird opened my eyes. The Lottery scared the pants off me. Poe introduced me to terror and King, Straub, Koontz, and company took me all the way inside. Thanks one and all.

Now it’s your turn gang. Fess up to Uncle Jeff. What did it for you? And where did it happen? Come on, Rob, you must have been reading something under that bed.