Nostalgic Nights: Reading in the Shadows

From How Breath Becomes Air to A Diary of a Young Girl, there are books that leave a lasting impression long after the last page is turned. For some, these cherished memories are etched with the comforting glow of torchlight peeking from under a bed cover.

Highlights of Those Memorable Nights

Some of the books that I can never forget were read beneath the cover of midnight, under a torchlight. Two of those books are How Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi and A Diary of a Young Girl by Anne Frank. Reading those books under a torchlight on a bed was a magical and nostalgic experience.

Bedtime Stories and Hidden Treasures

Sometimes life extends beyond the ordinary offerings of the day. During my childhood, there was an unplugged light from an old Plymouth car that could be heard even before the key hit the windshield. This faint squeal meant that my reading lamp was off, the book was under my pillow, and I could pass for a sound sleeper. My eclectic reading choices could have been anything from classics to comic books like Uncle Scrooge, or even thrilling adventures like The Hound of the Baskervilles or Dracula.

Bedtime Reading vs. Excuse for Sleep Sabotage

It’s quite different when you’re reading books in the daylight and are also allowed the luxury of midnight reading under the covers. I didn’t read after bedtime as I didn’t want to be caught and I respected my need to be well rested for the coming day at school. My favorite classics were Little Women and Little Men by Louisa May Alcott, and I also enjoyed Nancy Drew books and teenage love stories.

Comic Books and Textbooks: The Daring Reader

With just a bit of daring, I managed to sneak in comic books like Asterix, Obelix, or Archie's adventures in between my textbooks. My mom would watch from across the room, yet it didn’t deter me from this clandestine activity. My brother, on the other hand, often got caught while I had the advantage. My strategic position on the table, coupled with a mysterious, straight face, provided me with the perfect cover to stash books during mom’s evening visits.

Final Thoughts

Reading in the shadows of past bedtime, whether it's with a torchlight, a midnight radio, or hidden textbooks amid comic books, is a cherished moment of escapism. These experiences remind us of the incredible room for imagination and adventure that lies within the pages of a book. If you too have cherished memories of reading in the shadows, feel free to share in the comments!