Books That Inspire - June IWSG
I’ve been waiting for this very “question of the month” for 100 hundred plus years. I have two answers.
But first let me explain that the Insecure Writer’s Support Group is the creation of science fiction writer Alex J. Cavanaugh. You can find his books here. He started the IWSG, “To share and encourage. Writers can express doubts and concerns without fear of appearing foolish or weak. Those who have been through the fire can offer assistance and guidance. It’s a safe haven for insecure writers of all kinds!” The IWSG’s website offers resources and a support group. Join the blog hop the first Wednesday of each month here.
This month’s awesome co-hosts are PJ Colando, Pat Garcia, Kim Lajevardi, Melisa Maygrove, and Jean Davis! Please go visit!
Optional question: What were some books that impacted you as a child or young adult?
Fourth grade: I’ve told this story before. Here it is again. My fourth grade teacher (one of my least favorite teachers) read books to our class, on a regular basis. The first page of Little House in the Big Woods hooked me. I was interested and fell in love with the story and the old fashion world of the characters. Thankfully, the teacher had stocked up on a few of the other Little House books. I checked them out and read them. Years passed and my then husband bought me the set. I read them all again. Then as life’s tragedies visited my doorstep, oddly enough, I was drawn to them again maybe to escape to a simpler time or a therapy of sorts. Laura Ingalls Wilder’s stories became a dependable friend.
High School English III: Our young teacher was kind of grumpy, my aunt’s friend, and “marched to the beat of a different drummer”. I liked her! She gave us a reading list of books to read and then do our book reports on. (May I say that I never liked doing book reports?) The list of classic writers and their books set my reading world on fire and introduced me to John Steinbeck, Charlotte Bronte, Ray Bradbury and MANY others. This list also became my personal challenge to continue reading from the book list, and I did. I kept it for years and from time to time read others. The only book that I backed off from was Moby Dick. I couldn’t get into the story. Most of the books were not easy reads, but if I stayed with the story, gave it a chance, I was not disappointed. I found my favorite authors from the list.
My Little Writing Partner
My sweet Millie, part Maltese and part Shih-Tzu, passed on May 23 at 11 years and four months. She was one of the best bosses I’ve ever had. 😊 She had each day scheduled for us. Now, I’m left to boss myself, again. Millie was small, but owned a huge personality. She was such a good girl! I miss her very much. 
Second Day Home
Millie in her last days.
Do you have favorite books that inspired you to read or write your own stories?
Comments
I read early and still read. Like you I reread as well.
My parents introduced us to Rudyard Kipling's Just So Stories, and compared me to the Elephant's Child because of my curiosity. They read it to us so often I can still recite great slabs of it - and reread it every year or so.
I was a big Little House fan, too! Loved those books. And all the chapters on harpoons really messed up Moby Dick for me.
Rudyard Kipling stories are the best! Aww being called Elephant Child is a wonderful thing.
I still feel defeated not ready Moby. LOL Doubt it I try it again.
Yes, it was very thoughtful. I still have them.