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Suzanne Boggs Feinstein's avatar

What a beautiful tribute to your mom! Reading this made me think about how differently books found their way into my life. In my house, it was my dad buried in sci-fi paperbacks while Mom had her shows on. When he died, we had boxes and boxes of those worn paperbacks - I kept just a few treasures and donated the rest, knowing other readers would discover those worlds he loved.

But it was my Grandmama Mabel in Kentucky who really shaped my reading soul. I can still picture her reading aloud to me - and it’s because of those afternoons with her that I still return to Anne of Green Gables, finding new layers each time.

I laughed out loud at your Birth Control for Catholics comment 😂

Great photo of your old favorite books too! I still have most of my favorite childhood books and love having them on my shelves.

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Martha Mattingly Payne's avatar

Thank you, Suzanne, for sharing these bits about your reading roots. Love the image of you reading with Grandmama Mabel 🙂. Glad you enjoyed my piece, too!

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Diana Parks's avatar

Oh Marth - so good! I remember the matching, teal-ish covered Great Books, although I’m not sure I was one of your mom’s privileged protégé’s. (I would love to think that I was.) As I was driving yesterday, I pondered your title. You’re right; slipping the word “who” in there totally changed my anticipated perspective of what I would read…not while driving. Write on!

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Martha Mattingly Payne's avatar

I’d forgotten the teal book covers! Thanks for that. And I’m honored that my title provoked a little thought, teehee. Eyes on the road, friend!

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Leigh Anne Schlafly's avatar

My mom did the same for me. Constantly reading. We frequented the library because my family didn’t have money or space to purchase books. Some of my fondest memories are walking home from the bookmobile in the summer, my arms piled high with that week’s books. My goal as a parent and first grade teacher was to pass on my love for reading to all my children! I’m grateful it worked with my two!

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Martha Mattingly Payne's avatar

I love this, Leigh Anne! Thank you for sharing your story and for reading mine 🙃

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