Recently, as I was writing an updated About Me post for my website, I started thinking about the first chapter book I could remember reading (you’d have to read the post to understand the connection.) I’m sure I’d read chapter books before, but this particular book stood out. Fourth grade was a very long time ago for me, and I got a little nostalgic wondering if that book is still in print. Amazing the things you can find on Google!
The title of the book is A Room for Cathy by Cathrine Whoolly and it was first published in 1956. I found two book covers, so I’m assuming there was more than one edition, and I most likely read the second, as the updated cover is familiar. And yes, it’s still available—for a hefty price, considering the cost on the book cover is .50￠
There are two specific reasons this book stands out. First, I was raised with three sisters and a brother. So, I didn’t have my own room until my older sister went off to college. I believe the title of the book drew me as I longed for a room of my own. Second, I read the book because my class was challenged—whoever read the most pages in one night would win a prize. I read all 190 pages in order to win the contest (which I did.) I suppose that competitive spirit has been a part of me my entire life. That’s not necessarily a good thing.
Seeing that cover again brought a bitter-sweetness to my heart. For many of us, our childhood stands out as a time of innocence and possibility. My parents hung the moon (and still do, even though they are no longer with me) and my best friend was my brother, Mike. He, too, is no longer with me, but I cherish those memories of our adventures together. To this day, my favorite television shows are Andy Griffith and Dick Van Dyke. I’ll even watch Leave it to Beaver. Nostalgia is a real draw for me.
I’d love to hear some of your favorite childhood book stories. What was the book, who was the author? Do you remember anything specific about the book or why you loved it (or didn’t love it?) Does it bring to mind a time and/or place in your life that you cherish?
