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?