Hi friends,

As a child, I grew up home alone most of the time. With working parents and a sister 8 years older than me, I was pretty much with my books all the time. I still remember how I would save my pocket money and often visit the “raddi waala” (a local vendor who collects old newspapers, books, magazines, etc. from people and sells the books and magazines at a low price).

It was a much-anticipated visit each time because it was like a treasure hunt; one wouldn’t know which book would be available. My all-time favorite, just as it was for many children in those days, was Enid Blyton’s books. Famous Five, Secret Seven, and whatever else the vendor had, I would jump on it.

Then began the countless hours of losing myself in the book while my mom would call me for a meal or if I was needed for a chore. Within a day or two, I would gobble up the story and be on my way to exchange the same book for another one. This was a sweet-sour experience every time because I hated to part with the books I read. I always had the collector bug in me. So, now, as an adult, I reward my younger self by not giving away any of the books I purchase. 😄

Enough about me; let’s talk about you! What was your favorite book as a child or even now? What’s your relationship with books?