I grew up in the sixties, that famous era, when Motown ruled the radio. I believe the first book I read was the biography of George Washington, probably for a school assignment. After that first visit when I was in second grade, my father a machinst who finished the eight grade dutifully took me to the library every three weeks when books were due back. Back then there weren't many books about Black of African American people, after the reading the first president's biography, I followed it up with Abraham Lincoln's biography, Jane Addams, and Clara Barton.
A few years later my parent's bought our first set of beige and green World Book Encyclopedias, followed up by a set of ChildCraft books which I devoured eagerly.
As I grew older, I had a couple of cousins who read True Romance magazine, and it didn't take me to long to get hooked on them. My mother forbade me to read them, but I did anyway.
I remember reading Harlequin Romance books well into my teens. Ocassionally I'd read a non-fiction book. A best seller came out when I was in my teens called, Everything You Wanted To Know About Sex, But Were Afraid To Ask. My friends and I read the book from cover-to-cover multiple times. I even snuck the book to church for my friends to exclaim over.
I read all of Donald Goines and Ice-berg Slims novels by the time I was sixteen. I had acquired a true love for reading. There was a small store front bookstore that I passed by to and from high school and I went there every week and bought at least one book.
By the time I hit my twenties, on payday, I'd buy an album and books. Kroch & Brentano BookStore was the place for me every two weeks, and I didn't buy one book, I bought bags. I read all of James Baldwin, Ralph Ellison's books to name a few.
Then a miracle occurred, books were being published that were written by African Americans, I felt I was in hog heaven, Alice Walker, hit the scene, along with Gloria Naylor. Finally there were books I could purchase that chronicled some experiences I could relate to.
Enter the 1990's. Terri McMillan, E. Lynn Harris, J. California Cooper to name a few. Now there are tons of books about African American Experiences. What a great time to be alive. I am so glad I witnessed the transformation.
My love for reading led to a passion for writing for me. What a blessing my father took me to the library when I was in second grade.
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