This week I’ve been riveted by two books: Gregor the Overlander the first in a fantasy series by Suzanne Collins and Gary Paulsen’s classic wilderness survival adventure Hatchet.
Having enjoyed other wilderness survival stories as a young reader, I knew that I’d love Hatchet…and I did. I enjoyed it so much that I’m wondering whether my child self was a good judge of the other survival stories I read. Hatchet has clearly displaced them all and taken the number one spot on my favorites list.
I was never drawn to fantasy as a child and so had never explored this area of fiction — even as an adult. Of course required reading assignments obviously override personal preferences and I knew I had to get through it. I wasn’t looking forward to it; knew that I wouldn’t be able to connect with the stories and that I’d just plain dislike them. I was prepared for some miserable reading. …Ahem. I nearly read Gregor the Overlander in one sitting. And I’m determined to read the rest of the series during school breaks (if the series lives up to the standard of the first book).
So, why do we stop reading children’s books when we grow up?
Why not dig out that old favorite or pick up a popular new release — your stress level and your inner child will be delighted!
Erin, I think you would also like Suzanne Collin’s “Hunger Games” series. I was hooked reading it in the hospital after I had Camden.
Thanks for the recommendation, Trisha! “Hunger Games” has been really popular and even my local public library is holding a competition for kids based on the series.