Space Cadet and the Novels that Transformed My World

Unlike many others, my first novel is not the one that changed my life from a required reading assignment to an exhilarating escape, but rather the one that first opened up the world to me. This is a story of a young mind that struggled with language yet found solace and wonder in the world of literature.

Early Beginnings

My journey into understanding books began when I was only six years old. By the time I was 11, I had memorized the Holy Quran entirely in Arabic. However, the meanings were not fully grasped until later in my education, first through Urdu and subsequently in English.

The First Real Novel

Space Cadet was the novel that truly transformed my world. I discovered it in my third-grade classroom’s library nook, and it was this book that ignited a spark within me. I found Space Cadet intriguing, making me realize that books could not only take me to a different place but also into a different time.

A little while before, I had purchased The Day Lincoln Was Shot from a Scholastic Book sale. While it initially seemed daunting due to its lack of illustrations and my dyslexia, I was determined to read it. This novel played a significant role in awakening my love for history and proving to me that I was not unintelligent, despite what my teachers said. I could process the information given just more slowly than others.

From History to Adventure

After reading The Day Lincoln Was Shot, I moved on to Mystery at the Ball Park, a book that served as my introduction to 'big boy' books. Following that, I embarked on the adventures of the Hardy Boys, and eventually, I delved into literature of a more complex nature, such as The Mysterious Island by Jules Verne. Each of these books transported me to different worlds, engaging my imagination and sparking my love for literature.

Reading Jules Verne's books in the late evening provided a comforting and enchanting experience. It was a time when I could truly lose myself in the adventures described in these books. Over the years, I have come to cherish and collect Jules Verne's works, which are now important parts of my collection. It was through these books that I found myself drawn to the world of Steampunk, a genre so rich with adventure and imagination.

A World of Books

Since then, I have cherished every book I have read. They have not only taken me on adventures but have also taught me a lot about history and helped me appreciate the diverse ways of life and storytelling. The books I have mentioned and the many others I have read have undoubtedly played a crucial role in shaping the person I am today.