“When you read a book as a child, it becomes a part of your identity in a way that no other reading in your whole life does.” - Kathleen Kelly, (You've Got Mail).
I was reminded of this one night while watching TV. I came across "The Black Stallion", a movie I remember from my childhood with fondness. I saw the movie before I read the books, but The Black Stallion book series became a favorite of mine in my elementary school days. I instantly fell in the with the horse, and was very curious about the places the characters were travelling to and from. I had never heard of them before and I remember being drawn into the story because of the exotic adventure that the main character, Alec Ramsey, was about to embark on.
I also remember the first time I read Anne of Green Gables. Anne immediately became my best friend and I dreamed of high jinxed adventures with her in in Avalon. I wanted to be Anne and her spunk and self-assurance made this little wallflower want to be brave. Books are magical vessels that transport you to anywhere but where you are. That’s the power of a book! You can be swept away into completely different times, places, adventures, and experiences. Those experiences stay with us, whether we realized it or not, and can shape who we become or even change who we currently are. Life can be stressful, but I am so thankful for the books that allow me to escape. And for the characters who welcome me into their lives and let me tag along for the journey.
