Friday, March 4, 2011

Childhood Thrills (March 2011)



Childhood Thrills is a feature that recalls books I read in my childhood or adolescence that were special to me or "haunt" me in some way. I don't intend to re-read & review them, just simply share my memories and the feelings they evoke.

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The Litte House books by Laura Ingalls Wilder.


All the snow we've had reminds me of the Little House books.  I remember reading the harrowing adventures of the Ingalls family in the winter as they survived blizzards, freezing temperatures and cozied up in their snug homes.  I loved reading about their Christmas mornings and how even though they didn't have much, everything was special.  A piece of candy, a hair ribbon, or a doll.

I'm not sure which book it was from, but I remember in one book Pa was lost in a blizzard and was unknowingly only a few feet from their home.  He had to eat the candy that he intended to give his family because he was starving.  Of course, the Ingall's girls didn't care, they were just happy to have their dad home safe and sound.  

Again, these were books I read over and over.  I preferred the earlier books to the later ones when Laura was an adult.  I also really liked Farmer Boy.  Maybe because it was nice to glimpse into the lives of a more well to do family during that time period, but I also did like the character of Almanzo.  I still love the artwork on the covers.  I think it is so cute and lends itself well to the sweet tone of the books.

While I was doing a little research about these books, I learned that Pepin, Wisconsin (near Laura's birthplace) celebrates her birthday every year with a festival including a "Laura" look alike contest. 

Here are some pictures I found on Wikipedia.org.

Laura Ingalls-Wilder and Almanzo Wilder


Caroline and Charles Ingalls


















I'm wondering, has anyone not read these books in their childhood?

7 comments:

Alyssa said...

I actually haven't read any of these books. I probably would've enjoyed them though

Angelique said...

My mom read these to me until I was old enough to read them myself. Loved these books as a kid =)
We always watched the TV show too.

Savannah said...

I have never read these books but the sure do look good.

bibliophile brouhaha said...

I remember that green plaid border! I think I still have that very copy of the first one at my dad's house. Thanks for the trip down memory lane :)

Kristin said...

What a great feature!! Takes me back...

Kristin@ My Bookish Ways

La Toya said...

I haven't!! But I would like to!!!

Anonymous said...

Hey Midnyte, what a great idea for a feature! I think that Canadians all have warm memories of Laura Ingalls-Wilder and Anne of Green Gables, and I'm glad you like the books so much! This series was always one of the first I would recommend to customers who used to ask what to get their little girls at the bookshop where I used to work.

And @Savy, you'll fall in love with the story! I highly recommend that you read it :-)

Darkeva

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