MacKenzie asked Kathryn Knowles:

What book from your childhood has had the biggest impact on you and why?

Kathryn Knowles Hmm... This is a challenging question. I'd love to say I have a list of titles and clear reasons why they impacted me, but I don't. Instead, I have a memory of the library at my elementary school. On a shelf at the back, they kept the books that didn't have "reading ages" assigned to them anymore. In my mind, these were the real books. The thicker the spine, the more impressive, and I was all about flaunting my awesome reading skills at that age.

I remember reading a book that I adored. I have no idea what the title was or what the plot was about. All I remember is that it featured a princess, a talking dragon or two, and an enchanted forest. I have a feeling the dragon may have been a villain but then the princess got to know him and they became friends. I believe it was a series of books... But I could be making this up entirely.

I went back to borrow the book a second time and couldn't find it. It was devastating.

All my life, I've harboured this book in my soul as the greatest book of all time. With no proof whatsoever.

Regardless of the imaginary book's quality, spine width, or plot, I believe it sparked a love of fantasy for me. A love which has never died.

flag