Reading has always been an important part of my life. Some of my earliest memories are of my dad reading nursery rhymes from The Tall Book of Mother Goose. One night, Daddy said, “Tonight, you read to me.” I proceeded to “read” the nursery rhymes to him. Through repetition, I memorized the book.

'As an only child, books were often my companions.' @CandyArrington shares where her love of literature began in #MyReadingLife Share on X I looked forward to trips to a local department store to buy Nancy Drew mysteries. A wide stairway descended to the basement “toy” department, where I used my allowance to purchase Nancy Drew books. Sometimes, I had enough money to buy two books.

One year, my aunt gave me enough birthday money to buy five books. I clearly remember carefully selecting the books that seemed the most interesting, and then pacing my reading to get the most out of them.

Years later, when our daughter was young, we snuggled in bed together while I read her those same Nancy Drew books. Today, I still enjoy a good mystery.

Although I write nonfiction, fiction inspires me and feeds my love of investigation and learning. I’ve dabbled in writing historical fiction. One day, perhaps I will write and publish engaging fiction.

Over the last year, I’ve enjoyed reading World War II novels. I particularly like those set in locations other than traditional settings – Russia, the Channel Islands, Denmark, Portugal. I’ve learned so much about the hardships faced during widespread Nazi occupation, and the courage of those who resisted.

Recent reads include Sarah Sundin’s The Sound of Light, The Secret Society of Salzburg by Renee Ryan, The Book Spy by Alan Hlad, and Code Name Sapphire by Pam Jenoff.

Currently, I am reading The Winter Guest by Pam Jenoff and The Fourth Enemy, the sixth book in a series by Anne Perry. On the nonfiction side, I’m reading Spare by Prince Harry. And, yes, I’m reading these three simultaneously!

One of my favorite reading locations is our deck with the beauty of nature all around. But the reading location I enjoy most is sandwiched in a big chair with a grandchild by my side as we read a Berenstain Bears book, or an all-time favorite Miss Nelson is Missing by Harry G. Allard, Jr. I hope my grandchildren will always remember those times of reading with me, and those memories will instill the love of reading in them.

 

Candy Arrington is a writer, blogger, and speaker. She frequently writes on the topics of faith, health, personal growth, and methods for moving through, and beyond, challenging life circumstances. Candy’s publishing credits include three nonfiction books: Life on Pause: Learning to Wait Well (Bold Vision Books), When Your Aging Parent Needs Care (Harvest House), AFTERSHOCK: Help, Hope, and Healing in the Wake of Suicide(B & H Publishing Group), as well as hundreds of articles and devotionals in numerous print and online outlets—Focus on the Family, AriseDaily.com, Inspiration.org, CBN.com, Healthgrades.com, Care.com, NextAvenue.org, CountryLiving.com, and Writer’s Digest.

Candy gains writing inspiration from vintage photographs, historic architecture, nature, and the application of scripture to everyday life. She enjoys teaching at writing conferences, guiding writers in how to best craft their ideas to experience publishing success.

To learn more, visit CandyArrington.com where you can read and sign up to receive her blog, Forward Motion – Moving Beyond What Holds You Back. Or visit her author page at BRRC.