Apparently in April of 2024 I was on a classics kick that started at the end of the month before. I was reading things that I could get for free on my phone because they were so old. I commenced with three old favorites by Frances Hodgson Burnett. Fun fact: she lived in Knoxville for a time in a house new the river called Vagabondia Castle. I had no earthly idea about that when I was a child reading her books over and over again.
A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett
If you saw the Shirley Temple movie, forget it and read the book.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I read the copy my grandmother bought me until the cover fell off. It still thrills on every reread.
Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett
I didn’t own this as a child so I think this was only the second or third time I had read it. I was absolutely charmed by sweet little Cedric, but I think I found him cloying as a child.
The Writer’s Map ed. by Huw Lewis-Jones
This is a delightful collection of maps of fantasy worlds, some I knew and some that were new to me, coupled with essays by various writers about the importance of maps–literal maps–to fiction writing.
Fostering Love: A Glimpse into Foster Care by Kathleen Paydo
This came into my hands via my friend who edited it. The writer is a seasoned foster parent, and as someone whose day job (my husband’s legal assistant) entails involvement with “the system,” I found it fascinating. It would be a great read for anyone considering foster parenting.
If you would care to comment (no one ever comments), I’d love to know about classics you enjoy or old childhood favorites you like to reread from time to time!
