Think About It Thursday

I've decided to join in this meme from Rachel at 1001 Books.  I can't promise I'll get to it every week, especially since I'm not sure what my computer access will be like in a few weeks when I get to Ohio.  I'm intrigued, however, and willing to do my best!  Every Thursday, Rachel will ask a 'bookish' question which I'll have to think about.  Sounds like fun to me!

Today's question is:  What is your earliest memory of books or reading? Was it a positive or negative experience?

I don't remember any of those early childhood books, although I know I had them because I still have them, boxed away for future use by my future kids.   I remember loving the Berenstein Bears (and I'm still mad at my mom for getting rid of them).  But my first actual memory of reading?  You might not believe me.  I think I'm about four or five, sitting in the swiveling armchair in the corner of the family room.  For whatever reason, I've turned the chair towards the bookcases, perhaps so that I can rest my feet on the shelf that is conveniently at the same height as the seat of the chair.  What am I reading, you ask?  (This is the unbelieveable part)  Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream.  No kidding.  Now, obviously, I had no clue what I was reading, or what the funny looking words meant, but I was reading it.  I can still see the edge of the book against the blue of the chair, and still see the look of utter shock on my dad's face when he turned the chair around to see what I was doing (I'd been too quiet for a while)  and he realized what I was reading.

I know.  I'm very strange.  But I can truly say that I've always loved Shakespeare. :-)  That's definitely a positive thing.

Feel free to join in, ladies!  I'd love to hear your answers! :)