Kind of a Freaky Thing . . .

[kimberleylittle]

  Just found out something kind of interesting about me and J.K. Rowling . . .

When I was about 10-11 years old my mother showed me a book list from The Friend magazine. (Way back in the *olden* days of The Friend they used to do a list of monthly book recommendations.)

My mother said: "This sounds like a book you might like." She was often

Comments

[melissawyatt]

Kim, I love this story! I love the stories of the great books of our childhood that fill our hearts in just the right ways. I have never read this book but I'm definitely intrigued!

[kimberleylittle]

Hi Melissa, thanks! Love hearing this from you!

[olmue]

I knew it was JKR's favorite book when she was young, but I'd never heard of it. Then one of my kids picked it off the shelf at the library for me, and said, "Mom, I think you'd like this." (He was three.) And I did! And I could see the JKR connection--all the food descriptions, lol.

I've heard glowing reports of Linnets and Valerians. I really should read that one, too.

[kimberleylittle]

Cool! And yes, I loved those food descriptions, too. So funny that it was your three year old who saw the book for you! I re-read Linnets and Valerians a couple years back - the first time since I was a kid - and I hardly remembered the characters or the plot at all. When I was young, I DO remember sobbing at the end of the book - and I was so curious to see what it was that had me aching so badly, and yet as an adult I saw the ending coming for a long time and there was none of that emotional residue any longer. It was actually very disappointing. And today's writing style is so different now.

[robinellen]

I haven't reread the book in ages, mostly because I was afraid my adult eyes wouldn't 'get' it, and I don't want to lose that magical memory! (I do, however, remember the plot quite well -- but then, I read the book at least a dozen times as a child).

[kimberleylittle]

Oh, how interesting Robinellen that you already know and love that book! You are the first! And read it so many times! You are also probably very smart not to re-read it and lose the magical memory . . . I couldn't resist because it had been so long, but it was also an interesting "experiment" if you want to call it that to rediscover all the elements I loved as a kid. There's another book I adored as a child and it took me years to find it again. I finally did on Alibris, although it's now on Amazon. "Two are Better than One" by Carol Ryrie Brink of "Caddie Woodlawn" fame. I could see why I'd loved it so much, and there are elements of the book that are just brilliant, and matched up so much with my elementary school best friend, but it's fascinating to see how writing styles have changed just in the last 50 years. That is also a book that I've never known anyone else to have read. Have either of you, Rose or Robin?

Here's a link: Reply

[robinellen]

And see, I loved LINNETS AND VALERIANS (and yes, I own a copy or two) :) It was easily my favorite childhood book, and to me, it embodies the wonder and adventure of childhood!

[kimberleylittle]

Did LINNETS AND VALERIANS make you bawl? There are two books from my childhood that made me break down into real sobs on my pillow, and not just tears rolling down my face. This one and JANE EYRE.

[jennygordon]

[kimberleylittle]

Oh, I hope you love it, Jenny! Let me know!