Word Obsession

I've loved words ever since I could read, and probably before. When I was very young I taught myself to read. I would sit for long periods of time, annoying my mom (she tells the story endearingly, but I would have been annoyed) calling out words to her that I couldn't decipher (in the frustrating and demanding way, I'm sure, that is my sweet nature when I really want to know something but can't figure it out). Apparently the teacher wasn't teaching me to read fast enough... did I mention how I am known for my patience in situations where I want something to happen (and preferably happen yesterday)? 

During this time I had an obsession with words... even more than today. I had to read EVERYTHING. It was actually quite compulsive and, frankly, I was frightened that it would never go away. I was literally seeing words all over my world; signs on buildings, streets, buses and benches, all over my classroom, in the newspaper, in books, on television. There were words everywhere. Seriously. For a little brain that was desperately trying to read them before her class walked by, her car whizzed past, her family changed the channel, it was quite an undertaking. Especially when that little brain was still sounding out the words. 

I have recently learned that a very good friend of mine (also a reading fanatic as an adult) had the exact same disease! I guess it makes sense that we are both bookworms... and that we found each other as friends. You should have seen her husband's face as we were squealing over this finding. I'm not sure if he was more shocked that he is married to such a weirdo, or the fact that there are two of us in the world. You can imagine his thrill as we continued. Oh, yes we did. There is more to this freak story (and, crazy as it sounds, my friend had the following experience as well). 

As soon as I mastered reading, my ailment of having to read all the words that came in front of my face passed, thankfully. 

It was replaced by the need to write these words instead. 

In cursive. With my finger. On my leg.

This, my dear Coconut Library Readers, was the beginning of a little Coconut Librarian. 

xo,

The (grown up) Coconut Librarian      

Comments

[Mountain Woman]

I'm visiting from SITS. I think I have the same problem. I'm never without a book in my hand and I usually read 4 at the same time. Books have been part of my life since I can remember.
Great blog.