Lucky Girl
Specific books don’t stay with me for long. I remember reading them (for a time) and even vaguely what they’re about, but not the plots. There are, of course, a few notable exceptions. Consequently, I can read books over and over and over again–even mysteries–and it’s almost like I’m reading them fresh. But unlike many people’s, my memory is not strewn with books. I can’t remember the books that influenced me as a kid or as a teenager. If a book is mentioned, it triggers my memory slightly, but otherwise, my reading history is almost like a blackhole in my brain.
A few things though, have lingered, readily accessible. For instance, I remember that in fifth grade, I had to read the entire list of Texas Bluebonnet nominees–and I remember a few of them. I remember LOVING Ellen Concord.
And I remember The Luckiest Girl.
This book has been in the back of my mind for quite a little while. I couldn’t remember the title or the author (although I suspected Beverly Cleary and was right). All I remembered was that it was about a teenage girl who spent the summer with family in California. (I believe she was from the East Coast.) I remember the orange groves and her crush on a boy and how I thought that book was just about perfect. And I wanted to find it again.
I’d considered posting to ask if anyone could identify this mystery book, but I imagined I didn’t have enough to go on. And then I found it myself, via Beverly Cleary’s website, and now it’s on request at the library! The cover posted is the one I had. I’m not all that fond of the new one.
What’s your ‘Big Memory’ book?
06/10/2010 at 6:05 pm
Hey, forgetting something like that can be a good thing. It means you can enjoy your favorite books over and over and find something new to love about them every time.
06/10/2010 at 7:00 pm
You are so right, the old cover is a lot better than the newer one.
My most memorable read has to be Black Beauty! I read it when I was in sixth grade and think about it all the time.
06/10/2010 at 11:32 pm
When I got married nearly 30 years ago, my husband suggested we both keep track of the books we read, the authors and the dates we read them. So I know every book read since then. It's proven to be invaluable! Sometimes I remember when I read a book I loved, but can't remember the name of it …
oxoxo
Denalee
06/11/2010 at 12:47 am
Ironically I was just trying to think of this book the other day and could only remember the cover. I don't remember it as being the best book ever but when I think of books I read as a preteen this cover always floats into my head.
06/11/2010 at 1:32 am
Oh, I'm sure it wasn't perfect, Sarakastic, but I was a sucker for a romance.
How funny that you were thinking about the same book.
That sounds like a good idea, Denalee. Given my book memory, I should probably start that.
06/11/2010 at 11:20 am
Where are the Children? by Mary Higgins Clark stands out for me. I know I had to have been an avid reader long before that came out but I remember being in a high school class where the instructor didn't care for me. She caught me reading the book during class and suddenly we had a better relationship. Guess something impressed her about it. And I'm still a big fan of Mary Higgins Clark. (Not because it impressed the instructor – just wanted to clarify that.
)
06/11/2010 at 12:38 pm
Ah, I remember a lot of books, but Iggie's House by Judy Blume hung with me for a very long time.
And yes, the retro cover on The Luckiest Girl is the better cover!
06/12/2010 at 6:45 pm
Hmmm, I recall reading this book as well, although I couldn't remember anything about it except the cover… I would say the Hobbit was probably my most memorable book. I think I read it at about 7 years old – it always stuck with me!
06/13/2010 at 1:44 am
I've never read Where Are the Children?, Iggy's House, or The Hobbit. The Hobbit at age seven?? Impressive!