I have always found solace in turning the pages of books. I would curl myself up, a book in my embrace, while my mates and siblings ran around shrieking or tossing objects at each other. Most times, I was found snoring lightly with my head resting in between the pages of a book I had been reading.
Source
At first, my mother would snatch the books from me, tear them up, and say I was consuming information too big for my age.
“Stop reading adult books” she would begin “They have a way of corrupting the minds of children”.
I knew where she got those words though. They were from her stepsister, Aunty Christie, who thought I spoke too intelligently for my age.
“Good morning, Aunty Christie, how are you doing today?” I would ask whenever she came around. That was her cue to ask how old I was. She did that every time I greeted her or answered a question she asked.
“How old is this girl again?”
“I'm seven!” I would reply excitedly. She would then wrinkle her nose and turn to my mother.
“This girl is not a child again. Keep a close eye on her, or else she will become corrupt in no time.”
I didn't know why she said that so often, I wasn't pleased with her, but I couldn't say a word about it. It was at this point I missed my father. He never complained about my reading habit. Instead, he would encourage me.
“You're going to become a professor” he would say, evident pride causing his chest to swell. Every time he returned from a journey; he almost always had a gift for only me.
“I didn't see the toy you asked for” he would say to my older brother who was fond of demanding toys like the characters he saw in cartoons. But my father always saw a book for me. And I never asked him, he just knew.
As I grew, the primary school I attended would send a delegate to my mother to ask if I would be allowed to represent the school in competitions.
“She's just in Primary 4” my mother would say skeptically.
“Yes ma, but she is leading her class. We have given her some preparatory lessons and she has proven to be up to the task.”
Once, my mother asked the teacher who was sent home with me to test me before her. He turned to me,
“Treasure, what is the meaning of the word Serendipity?”
“Permit me to spell this word before I commence with the meaning. S, E, R, E, N, D, I, P, I, T, Y, …” I saw my mom open her mouth in disbelief. “Serendipity is an English word meaning the occurrence and development of events by chance, in a happy or beneficial way.”
“There, you have it ma. I could go on asking her words, and she in turn will keep answering. Your daughter is very qualified to go for this competition.”
My mother asked for some time with me alone then turned to me. “Treasure, I know you don't want to go to this competition, is this man forcing you?”
My mother didn't know half of what I wanted at the time. I had worked hard for this, spending late nights going through the dictionary, scouting for tough words to ace the preparatory test given to me and the other pupils who were mostly three years older than I was.
I was scared to tell her this was what I had been waiting for all term, I didn't want to tell her that I was sure I could do it, that she had not seen me on stage yet so she wouldn't know. But at that moment, words failed me, and I nodded my head. She stormed over to the man and warned him to leave me alone.
The next session, she moved me to another school.
It took two more years for me to muster the courage to tell my mom I wanted to go for an interstate debate. At this time, I had begun writing my novels and sharing them in the house for everyone to read, my mom included.
From the moment she said “Yes” to that first competition, I found myself in almost every English-related competition in town. And I aced them all.
When I stopped going to competitions, the tables turned.
I was no longer found with my head in between other people's books, I was always found sleeping with a pen in my hand, my head on the pages of my books, completing the world I had begun to create on paper in my world of dreams.
I realized later that my journey as a writer began after my journey as a reader.
Wow, this is beautifully written. I am glad you summoned the courage at last to speak up and tell your mom what you wanted, and then she agreed to it.
Bravo!
Thank you. A close mouth is a closed destiny, I am glad I spoke up too.
That's right
💗😔💗
Thank you Sam 🥰
Dear my charming lady @iskawrites !
Are you writing an article about your childhood memories?
It is interestin!😃
Hahaha, yes, charming gentleman, that's exactly what I am doing. Thank you.
You are welcome! 😄
You were always a book worm. Children that smart by such a young age usually go for such competitions to represent their schools. Of course, the schools would be happy to showcase how brilliant their students are.
Excellent story. I particularly love the last sentence.
Thank you. My school was indeed happy to showcase their brilliant students. Now that I think about it, it seems it was because it gave the school a good image and reputation which means other parents would want to send their wards to schools that produces such bright students. Thank you again for reading. I appreciate you.
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STOPYou have been a writer from birth is obvious you have passion for reading and writing, unfortunately am always scared of reading and writing.
Lol. Why are you afraid of writing and reading?
I don't know know oooo, but am better now because of hive
I am happy to hear that 🤩🤩
I loved this Iska, but you know I enjoy reading you. I remember connecting with you ages ago over our love for books hehe. I'm so glad you voiced your passion and that you now fall asleep with a pen in your hand... although I'm fairly certain the books still aren't far from your reach !LUV !LADY.
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Thank you so much Sam. I remember our first connection too, and I am happy I never let go of my love for books. It has help me over the years and I will always be grateful to the authors who pen everything down for me to read.
Yes, my books are not out of reach, I still buy as much as I can afford.
Thank you again 💝
Yay! 🤗
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@samsmith1971, thank you so much 😍😍
African elders can be very funny sometimes. If a child is too smart, it's a problem, if they are not so smart, it's still a problem, they just want you to be average like everyone else. Just imagine your aunt saying you will be corrupt simply because you gave her a very formal greeting which was unlike any other 7-year-old child. At least your mother became more supportive later on
Hahaha. That's Africans for you, always trying to shrink someone, something, talents, anything that is threatening their egos. I am glad I had a supportive mum too. Thank you for visiting.
Lol I love your story. Reading sometimes preceeds writing and that's what you have clearly shared in this post. Wishing you all the best.
Yes, darling. Reading always precedes writing. Thank you for reading
My pleasure
Exactly boss, before one can be a writer, you have to be a reader first.
I am glad you agree 🥰
You offer us a window to your soul here and it’s a vista that presents a beautiful view. You make us love you with every additional fact and tidbit. Overall, a truly remarkable achievement.
Thank you so much Inkwell 🙏🏿🙈🔥
I can see the passion in your writing. You were a successful reader and now a successful writer. You command of pen is amazing.
Thank you very much my supporter of life. You have been very supportive of me from day one. I am grateful 🙏🏿💝
You are welcome dear. Better days ahead.
Awwwwgh🥹 A lovely tale of a beautiful writer's journey🤩 Well done dear. More grace to greater heights🙏🏽
Ps: I am always inspired to get better at writing and reading by you. 💕✨
Really? I am so happy to hear that. Thank you so much Whitney, you already know I appreciate you a lot 💝
Awwwwgh!🥹 Thank you 💕✨
A successful reader will surely be a successful writer. The path to writing takes time but I'm willing to learn.
I know you will be a good writer, I wish you all the best in your learning journey. 🔥🔥
Thank you for the encouragement
You are welcome
Whenever I read your post I always get a warm feeling in my chest, now I know it was your passion that filtered through it to me.♥️♥️
Awwnn, you are so sweet, Caitlyn, thank you so much for such a great comment and appreciation. ❤️❤️
This is beautifully written.
Your story is a living proof that bookworms can eventually turn into wonderful writers. :)
Thank you so much. I appreciate.
not all readers become writers, but there are very few non-readers who can become compelling writers.
learning to love how words are used is more than just the rules of language, but the way so many people use them so differently
I know right? Nothing can stop anyone who is willing to learn anything and that includes the use of words to become better writers. Thank you for visiting.
Excellent story and totally relatable, I feel your struggle and your inspiration to follow your dream. And you are doing just that, @iskawrites, you have a great talent as a writer!
Thank you so much for your kind words @blueeyes8960