The childhood reading experience I remember most keenly is the first novel I ever borrowed from my local library: Rosemary Sutcliff's 'The Eagle of the Ninth', set in Roman Britain at the time of the Lost Legion. It really captivated my young imagination. She's a wonderfully vivid storyteller, with a great grasp of scale and drama (and a consistent quality of work).
Thank you Ed! I read Eagle of the Ninth, too - though I don’t remember it clearly. It’s interesting how some books just stick in your mind from childhood isn’t it.
Would you say historical fiction was your go-to as a kid?
Not historical fiction per se, although I suppose most of the non-fantasy I read was set at some point in the past...
Lewis, Tolkien, Sutfcliff and Arthur Ransome were probably my quartet of absolute favourites.
Speaking of C.S. Lewis, I'd highly recommend his essay 'On Three Ways of Writing for Children' to anyone interested in the whole topic of childhood literature and reading.
When do I read?
Every morning with breakfast (I get up while the house is still asleep).
An occasional short spurt at random intervals during the day.
Bedtime - until my eyelids refuse to stay open.
The childhood reading experience I remember most keenly is the first novel I ever borrowed from my local library: Rosemary Sutcliff's 'The Eagle of the Ninth', set in Roman Britain at the time of the Lost Legion. It really captivated my young imagination. She's a wonderfully vivid storyteller, with a great grasp of scale and drama (and a consistent quality of work).
Happy Birthday! :)
Thank you Ed! I read Eagle of the Ninth, too - though I don’t remember it clearly. It’s interesting how some books just stick in your mind from childhood isn’t it.
Would you say historical fiction was your go-to as a kid?
Not historical fiction per se, although I suppose most of the non-fantasy I read was set at some point in the past...
Lewis, Tolkien, Sutfcliff and Arthur Ransome were probably my quartet of absolute favourites.
Speaking of C.S. Lewis, I'd highly recommend his essay 'On Three Ways of Writing for Children' to anyone interested in the whole topic of childhood literature and reading.