As a child in the late 1940's, I had undiagnosed learning disabilities (dyslexia). I could barely read in the fourth grade and viewed reading as a devastating chore, something I had to try to do so I could get a passing grade. As a result, I have no childhood memories of wonderful hours spent curled up with a good book. It wasn't until I had children of my own that I revisited the field. As a young father, I began reading to my children and now, more recently, to my grandchildren.
Of course, Dr. Seuss is pretty much the gold standard and hard not to love with its colorful comic drawings, outrageous poetry, and underlying life messages. The Cat in the Hat has deservedly stood the test of time. In my case, three generations. My seven year old granddaughter lists this today as one of her favorites.
Shel Silverstein was a favorite of my oldest daughter, and I remember reading his books to her. His wonderful line drawings and delightful rhymes are as rewarding today as they were when I first read them to Tawnia almost thirty-five years ago. Some of the lessons in Shel's work were also very helpful to young parents. Sarah Cynthia Sylvia Stout Would Not Take the Garbage Out was a great life lesson when it came to arguing about doing family chores. Some of the newer child fiction is quite remarkable. Jeff Kinney's Diary of a Wimpy Kid series is a favorite of my grandson's and is a great read for middle school boys, giving them a guy they can believe in.
In my case, I didn't begin to enjoy reading until I was fifteen and was assigned the task of reading JD Salinger's Catcher in the Rye. At the time, I was struggling academically at an Easton prep school. My own life closely mirrored Salinger's protagonist, Holden Caulfield. I was amazed that this author had been able to so completely capture the argot of my schoolmates and fashion a situation and characters that spoke directly to me.
I remember, after I finished the book, going to the teacher who had given us the assignment and asking him, is this really considered an American classic? When he said it was, I realized for the first time, that reading a great book could be viewed as much more than an English assignment. It could actually be wonderful entertainment. Catcher in the Rye spoke to my fears and confusions in funny and truthful ways.
The reading of that book was a defining moment. Despite my learning differences, it lit a fire inside me that is still burning. It may even be the reason I chose to become a writer.
Editor's Note: Stephen J. Cannell is the author of the Shane Scully Series and co-creator of The Rockford Files, The A-Team, and 21 Jump Street.
