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Memorable books from childhood should be reread to capture glimpses of a magical time in our past when life was simpler. We all yearn for the period in our life when we had few responsibilities or decisions to make. A familiar childhood book can take us back to those special moments when snuggling up to a parent and listening to a story made us feel safe. Our parents' voice could take us to places beyond our imaginations where anything was possible. Most people have at least one favorite book from their past that can bring back a flood of memories. Rereading these books as an adult can be a great pleasure. Sharing these familiar stories with the children in our lives is a true joy.

When I visit a vintage bookstore and see a copy of one of the Bobbsey Twins, Nancy Drew or Boxcar Children stories a wave of nostalgia comes over me. Visions of my childhood always surface and I hunt for other familiar titles. Little Women, The Five Little Peppers and How They Grew, and The Prince and the Pauper are books I read several times as a child. As an adult I still enjoy these stories.

I have read many books to my three children over the years. Each one of them had their personal favorites that they wanted to hear over and over. I read Where the Wild Things Are to my oldest son so many times I had it memorized. I know someday he will reread it with his children and share memories of his childhood just like I shared my beloved books with my children.

My fourth grade teacher introduced me to my favorite childhood book, The Secret Garden. Everyday after lunch she would read a chapter. I was mesmerized by the story. I remember going home from school and while I was eating my snack, I would retell my mother the part of the story we heard that day. It was a wonderful shared experience between a mother and daughter. When my daughter was in third grade (I just couldn't wait until she was in fourth grade) we read the book together. She also fell in love with the book. We are both teachers and have read the story many times to different students. My hope is that at least some of them share the book with someone in their lives.

Anyone who is lucky enough to have a childhood book that is a vivid part of their memories should definitely reread the book as an adult. In today's stressful world an escape to the past can be a welcome journey.

Learn more about this author, Linda Haver.
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