On reading…
I remember my first book very well. It was a collection of Russian fairy tales with beautiful hand-painted illustrations that literally brought the little hairy creatures to life; a small reminiscence on my childhood in Moscow. But I guess the very first book that I actually remember reading instead of drooling over was Mark Twain’s Tom Sawyer, which has become a true inspiration for my childhood adventures – much to the delight of my parents!
Very recently, I found a 1st edition of this little book (published in 1881) on eBay for €60, a bargain considering its tremendous sentimental value but not sure my better half is too thrilled with the prospect. I should probably reveal to her how close I was, at one stage of my post-adolescent life, to get a tattoo of E. W. Kemble’s magnificent Huckleberry Finn on my elbow.
What’s the first book you remember reading and what impact did it have on your life?