Books and Me: A Look-Back

A few weeks ago, I posted a Top Ten Tuesday post about my reading journey, what authors and books have been key points in progressing as a reader. Yesterday, I had my open house for high school graduation. One of the highlights of the party was the slideshow my dad made of all the different pictures of me with family and friends through the years, highlighting various memories. So I realized I wanted to mash the two together. Instead of showing the authors and books through my "reading journey," I'd go fully nostalgic on the books I remember the most growing up (okay, with authors added at the end). Beware.

The Beginner's Bible-PreK

I couldn't find my family's copy even though it better still be with us, but that book definitely looked used. Mom incorporated "Bible class" into our homeschooling and this was my "textbook" of choice. I've always been a sucker for illustrations.

Tiger and Tom-Early age

"And Other Stories for Boys" HA! Mom used to read to all of us kid frequently at night before bed. Those stories? Only one boy was present, so yes, girls can like them too. 

The How and Why Library: My Stories - Mother-daughter bonding

THIS BOOK. There's a whole series, but this specific one was my favorite. My mom used to read this one to me all the time. Classic. 

The Princess and the Kiss-Elementary grades

Another great memory I have with reading is my mom reading great (and illustrated) storybooks to my younger sister and me. Obviously, my mother has played an instrumental part in my love for reading (which I already knew and appreciated). 

Other books include: Pink and Yellow, You Are Special, and The Three Trees

American Girl-Elementary school

As you can see, Samantha and Addy were my favorites. I always liked to think that Samantha and I were alike, but I loved Addy's time period and the focus on civil rights. During that foolish period of rebelling against Sunday naps, I would sit in the corner of our "school/book room" and read this series. 

Mandie series-Elementary/MG grades

Oh, Mandie. I loved this series and all the characters so much. I actually read this around the same time as my younger sister and we shared in the excitement together. The bad part is that the author only got to the first book in the spin-off (where Mandie goes to college) before she dies. My heart still yearns.

Elizabeth Gail series-Elementary/MG grades

The only other elementary/MG series I remember reading and LOVING. So many boys, so much tension for me in this. Of course, I look back now at the books and cringe at how awful the writing is (or maybe that's all MG?). But I don't care because I'm keeping those until I can force them on my own kids.

Adult authors-Middle school

I didn't even bother to list them all because I basically read every single book off my mother's shelf. I didn't know any books for my age group and craved romance. Hence, my mom's Christian adult books.

Janette Rallison-Early high school (?)

Hey, we're starting to get to present time period! In, I think, early high school I started reading Janette Rallison and others like her (Sarah Dessen, Meg Cabot, and so on). I finally found books in the teen section of my library that looked interesting.

Ally Carter-High school (?)

I couldn't NOT add Ally Carter in here. Duh. After lots of contemporary, I found The Gallagher Girls. Yes, still contemporary, but with a twist. 

Suzanne Collins-High school

Since I added Ally, I had to add Suzanne. The woman who showed me that there was more to reading than contemporary in high school. 

Blogging-Present

Don't we look so cute? In 2012, Shae pressured me to start blogging. So I did. Unbeknownst to me at the time, I would end up with an eclectic taste of books, some favorites being sci-fi and fantasy and dystopian (i.e. Seraphina, Under the Never Sky, The Lunar Chronicles),

What are some books you loved growing up?

Note: I couldn't find acceptable pictures in that time period I wanted for each book, but hope you enjoyed!