Two favored books "Jane Eyre" and "Behold Your Queen"

When asked by a much favored author DiAnn Mills, whose blog I follow, about any favorite books then I will gladly and genuinely respond. I must say that two books come to my mind immediately and are proudly owned.  Each is a story of an orphaned young girl who ultimately finds happiness but not on the route one would expect.  Each has a personal “of note” for me and one includes a spanking with my eighth grade history book.

The first is “Jane Eyre” by Charlotte Bronte.  This will always be a favorite and is as real for today as it was when published in 1847.  Jane was a girl and woman who persevered,  who did not have a glamorous life, did not compromise her values for love, and she did get the man that she loved however different  the path it took.   

·         Of note here is that while reading the book in my youth I did not hear by mother calling my name to do something and as a punishment was spanked with my history book and I was forced to return Jane Eyre before finished reading it which was the true punishment.  A few years ago I was reminded of that incident when my mother "unnecessarily" apologized for the incident.  It is true I did not hear her calling me but it was on a Saturday which was a regular chores day for us and I was to complete them prior to reading.  Shortly after that fondly remembered conversation I bought my own copy which can be read at any time, for as many times as desired, and now with another memory of my mother too.

The second book is my absolute favorite which is actually “the book” that sparked and fueled my desire for reading, “Behold Your Queen” by Gladys Malvern published in 1951.  I did not realize at the time that it was based on Esther in the Bible which is quite ignorant on my part even at 14 years of age.  Then and now I clearly recall my attachment to the story of an orphan girl who had to conceal her identity, wins a beauty contest,  wins the love of a king and saves her nation.  In the process she listened to her elders,  her mentors younger and older than herself, willingly learned what was necessary to give and receive love, and keep her faith and values without compromise.

·         On a personal note, I was in a bidding war on eBay to purchase an edition of this highly favored book.  I had lost in two previous attempts to acquire a copy but an answer to prayer prevailed and at the right price, I became an owner.

Thanks for the opportunity to share my thoughts on these two much loved books. Reading makes a difference and in the words of Mark Twain “If a man doesn’t read good books, he has no advantage of the one who can’t.”  Read, read, and then read some more.