by Heather Kreke @HKreke 

I’ve loved stories for as long as I can remember, even before I could read. I would beg my parents and grandma to tell me stories or read to me just one more book pleeeeeease.

Once I learned to read on my own, I was always reading. We would go to the bookstore or library, and I’d pick out a book, bring it home, and finish it by the end of the day. As I’m sure most readers do, I live in the stories. When I read, the words and the world around me disappear, and the story plays out in my head like a movie.

I don’t think I’ll ever forget my first two favorite books, The Monster at the End of This Book (because my dad read it in Grover’s voice) and The Value of Believing In Yourself: The Story of Louis Pasture. My poor parents would have to read those to me every night.

Today on My Reading Life Heather Kreke tell us about the stories she likes. Share on X

As I grew, my reading followed the path of what I’m pretty sure was a typical child of the 80’s. The Babysitter Little Sister series, Sweet Valley Kids, which eventually turned into the older versions of the two series, The Box Car Children, and The American Girl Books (Samantha was my favorite). As I grew older, I hit my R.L. Stein phase, my Lurlene McDaniel phase, and my V.C. Andrews phase. (Is the nostalgia hitting you as hard as it’s hitting me?)

Even as an adult reading is my favorite thing to do. It’s my escape from the stress of everyday life. When I pick up a book, I am transported to an Amish farm, a hostage negotiation, or a YA fantasy world full of adventure.

When I had children of my own, I got to enjoy my old favorites again as I passed them on to my girls. There is just something about pulling a box of my old books down from the attic and watching my kids’ eyes light up as they discover and fall in love with the stories I’ve loved. And yes, okay, I may have reread some of them too.

My kids have discovered lots of new stories that I’ve enjoyed reading, either to them, or sneaking one from their shelves and reading for myself.

That’s something else I love about reading; it knows no age limits. It’s funny because, when Harry Potter came out, I was in my late teens and I remember thinking I’m too old to enjoy that book; it’s for kids. It wasn’t until the second to last movie released that my younger brother convinced me to watch them. After we did, I devoured the book, because I had to find out what happened. That’s when I realized a good story is a good story. Whether it’s a Middle Grade, YA, or an Adult Novel, if the story captivates me, I’ll read it.

I think that’s why I became a writer, so I could share my love of story with others.

What are some of your favorite books from childhood?