My friend James has tagged me to answer the tag that has gone through many bloggers, and without giving credit to anyone, here are my answers:
- Choose one word that would describe you as a reader. Like my friend, James, I am an “eclectic” reader. I’ll try anything.
- What is the first book that made you fall in love with reading? When I was six, my British grandmother gave me copies of a British alphabet book (which prepared me for school that year) and The Adventures of Nicholas Thomas, a very mischievous British cat who was always getting into trouble. My mother read it to me until I could read it alone. I will never forget the pair of Siamese cats who tricked Nicholas into doing the things he got in trouble for, then sat at the tea table saying, “Just bread and butter, purrlease “. Poor Nicholas loved cakes and scones and cream and was silly enough to ask for them. The book was large, well illustrated, and had many chapters/adventures (or should I say misadventures?)
- Hardback or paperback? Anything. I’m not picky.
- How has reading shaped your identity? I have always found escape from problems, the busy world, and life in general in reading. I have always been far more adventuresome in my reading life than in real life. I have been so many places and had so many experiences vicariously–all through reading; so, I guess I am what I read.
- What book do you read when you want to be comforted? The Psalms of the Bible–any version.
- Who influenced you to be a reader? Both parents, my first grade teacher, Mrs. Lovern, and our local branch librarian in Norfolk, Virginia.
- Describe your dream reading lounge. Anywhere in my castle, my house. There are books “going” in every room almost.
- What book has changed the way you see the world? Most recently, The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas
- What defines your life as a reader? James said it best, “Where Jay meets happiness.” I paraphrase, “Where Rae meets happiness.” Thanks James for letting me steal again!
10. What are your favorite quotes? My motto to teach by is from Rick Warren’s The Purpose Driven Life, “People don’t care how much you know, until they know how much you care.
Now, whoever is reading this, Tag, you’re it! Respond to the same ten questions, either on your blog or in the comment section of this post. There’s room! Please do not judge mistakes but consider them hugs!
Rae
powerfulwomenreaders 
You are never stealing! We are jointly sharing an answer in which we both have a great deal of passion. I need to read “The Hate You Give,” especially if it had that impact on you. And I adore the story about your relationship with your British grandmother and your mother.
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I had no idea that you had a British grandmother. I love it that all our lives are stories, stories, stories.
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She came to New York through Ellis Island in 1920. The person told her there that her name was too long and would have to be shortened. Thus, Rachel Figgenboam became Rae Figgins. She thought they meant both names. LOL When people ask if my name, Rae, is short for Rachel, I tell them no, I was named after my grandmother who was a Rae. LOL
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I love that you aren’t picky. 🙂
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A lovely post, Rae. I didn’t know you had an English grandmother:). I love your recollection of your first favourite book – and I fully endorse your description of yourself as an eclectic reader. I don’t know anyone with a wider reading habit.
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