From Ami
Thinking about how my family always gave books as presents while I was growing up. It was so exciting to unwrap my gifts to see what new books I'd get that year. Narnia Tales, The Secret Garden, A Confederate Yankee in King Arthur's Court: I was reading these types of novels in elementary school.

It wasn't until the fifth grade that I realized nobody wanted me to draw their name for the gift exchange at school or church, because they'd be getting a book. One particular party, I remember being surrounded by that year's most popular present, little charms to attach to a necklace or bracelet. And I'd wrapped up, of course, a book. I can remember my friend's face- she'd really wanted a piece of jewelry, not a stupid novel!

That was the first time I was embarrassed about my relationship with books, an uneasy feeling that persisted all through junior high.

Needless to say, I'm now proud to be a book nerd.
The thousands of books I've read have shaped me and my writing.