From Childhood Favorites to Lifelong Passions: My Journey with Books

As an adult, I often reflect on the books that captured my imagination as a child, and the impact they had on shaping my interests and perspectives. This article explores some of my favorite books from my childhood and how they have influenced me over the years, along with my experience growing up to become an algorithms professor.

My Mother's Selection: Joy Adamson's Born Free and Edith Hamilton's Mythology

My mother believed that my early exposure to books would shape my future interests and character. She carefully chose the first two books I read: Joy Adamson's Born Free and Edith Hamilton's Mythology. I can confidently say that my love for nature and mythology began at an early age, deeply rooted in these books. For instance, Born Free instilled a sense of respect and wonder for the natural world, while Mythology ignited my imagination and sparked a lifelong interest in ancient cultures and their stories.

Algorithms and Dr. Seuss: An Unexpected Path

Another memorable book from my childhood was Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat Comes Back. This book introduced me to the concept of recursion, a fundamental concept in computer science. The book's humorous and practical example of solving a problem through a vacuous base case that does all the real work planted a curiosity that eventually led me to study algorithms at university. It is no surprise that I went on to become an algorithms professor, as the book's introductory ideas laid the foundation for my future academic pursuits.

Grandma's Library: An Early Introduction to Classical Literature

Contrary to the popular belief that children's books are for children alone, my grandma had a different perspective. She believed in age-gating books and encouraged me to pick any book I wanted. She also got me a library card, granting me access to the entire catalog at the local community library. Due to her belief that children's books were not challenging enough, I started with the classics, reading works by authors such as Charles Dickens, the Bront? sisters, Alexandre Dumas (father and son), Stendhal, and Guy de Maupassant at a young age.

In spite of the early introductions to these classics, I found them challenging to understand and remember accurately. For instance, reading Stendhal's The Red and the Black as a 10-year-old was quite a feat. Understanding the intricate character struggles and the symbolism behind Madame de Renal's actions was beyond my comprehension at that age. However, the experience paved the way for a deeper appreciation of literature in the future.

The Brooding Indian Prince: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea

One of my favorite books from my childhood was Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea by Jules Verne. The book's imaginative storytelling and the luxury steampunk submarine deeply captivated me. The idea of a brooding Indian prince traveling the ocean was both thrilling and intriguing. This book planted the seed for a lifelong love of exploration and the unknown. Even though I did not pursue a career in science or technology, the wonder and sense of awe inspired by the book remain with me to this day.

The Detective Story Excursion: From Early Discoveries to Popular Novels

In middle school, my interest shifted to detective stories. My first experience with detective novels was reading Arsene Lupin and The Teeth of the Tiger by Maurice Leblanc. I remember this book vividly, as it sparked a passion for plot-driven stories. I eventually became a fan of Sherlock Holmes, but the journey began with the classics. I also devoured popular novels by Arthur Hailey and Sidney Sheldon. These books were so engaging that I would finish one in just a couple of days. However, I don't recall many of the plot details, as they were read so quickly. Despite the memory fade, the books had a significant impact on my reading habits and provided an introduction to intricate storylines and character development.

Conclusion

Reflecting on my childhood reading experiences, I realize how the books I read as a child have shaped my interests and perspectives. From the nature and mythology infused in Born Free and Mythology, to the recursion concepts in The Cat in the Hat Comes Back, to the imaginative journeys in Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea and the intricate detective stories, each book contributed to the person I am today. Books are not just a means of entertainment; they are tools that mold our thoughts and influence our futures.