The “One Book That Changed Everything”

Trying to think of just one book that “changed everything” for me is very difficult. First, I remember a zebra book with crinkly pages that I would read over and over. I remember looking for all the little details in Busytown, I remember a book about Princess Diana and Prince Charles’ wedding, and staring at her wedding dress for hours. I remember Shel Silverstein making me laugh, being both horrified and fascinated by Roald Dahl’s Twits, and an original edition of Nancy Drew and the Hidden Staircase. 

But if I really HAD to choose, I would pick Anne of Green Gables. I’ll never forget picking it off the thrift store shelf (I was probably around 9 years old), seeing a picture on the cover of Anne with her red hair in a straw hat, liking her hat, and deciding to make it my next book. Anne of Green Gables was the first time I had ever needed to really concentrate on what I was reading. The vocabulary was like nothing I had ever read before, and I fell in love with Anne and all of her whimsy. 

About two years later, I picked it back up off my shelf to read on a long road trip. My second read of the book absolutely blew my mind. I connected so much more, and understood what I was reading on a deeper level. Ever since, I have read Anne at least once a year, if not the whole series. Every time I read, I gain new insight. I love that I can grow up with Anne. 

How do you feel about reading?

I am an avid reader! I have always LOVED reading. I was an only child with busy parents who separated when I was very young, so I had to find ways to entertain myself, and reading was my favourite way to do it. Starting in second grade, I would call my backpack my “library”, because at any given time I would have 5-20 books shoved in there, and was always trying to coerce my friends to borrow my books. I would say I do consider reading to be a form of escapism, but I don’t think that escapism is necessarily a bad thing. 

What types of books do you like to read?

It’s so hard to choose a genre! I would say I gravitate more towards thrillers and mysteries, but I also love a good romance, historical fiction, or dramatic fiction. I especially like novels about women being resilient. 

List some hobbies and things you like to do outside of school.

These days I’m busy with school, but when I can I love to sew, needle felt, cross-stitch, and weave! I also love to cook, bake, and gardening! This last summer I branched into growing flowers, and it was SO rewarding. 

Who are your favourite authors?

I have a preference for female authors. I think it’s because I most resonate with a female-told story, and like to do my best to support women! 

Tell me about the last book you really enjoyed. 

Hmmm, I recently read “A Thousand Ships” by Natalie Haynes. It’s a retelling of the Trojan War, but from the perspective of women. The book was incredibly powerful, and highlighted the resilience of women who come from different backgrounds. 

Tell me a bit about what you’ve been doing over winter break. 

Over the break, I went home to Vancouver Island! I spent as much time with my partner, my family, and my friends as I could. A highlight for me was hosting a holiday dinner party of 15 of my friends – acts of service is definitely a love language of mine and it was so much fun to get to cook for the people I love! I also got to spend a few days with the toddlers I’ve looked after for the last few years, it filled my cup to see them and remember how strong our bond is. 

What topics or subjects do you like to learn about?

Within my Teacher Education program, I’m most interested in my literacy classes! I’ve felt so inspired that I’ve decided to pursue a certificate in language and literacy over the summer. Outside of those classes, I’ve loved courses on Ethnobotany and Environmental Studies. 

If you could read a book about one thing, what would it be?

At this moment, I would love a book that’s a cross between “Little House on the Prairie” and “Great Circle” (by Maggie Shipstead). Or “Little House on the Prairie” and “Harry Potter”. Something wholesome but also a bit dark. In a way that wouldn’t cancel out the two genres!