Evelyn recalls her father reading to her when she was a child. While she preferred Black Beauty, he enjoyed adventure novels (p. 158). What does this say about each of their personalities, in your opinion? Do you have a book memory that involves a parent?
I have a book memory that involves my oldest sister who was ten years older than me. In the fifth grade my teacher read The Wizard of Oz to my class. I so much loved the book that my sister Nancy bought me a copy for my birthday. It is still one of my favorite books. 
Sorry I did not answer the entire question but I wanted to share this memory.
2 Likes
My dad & I went downtown every Saturday to the bookstore. He bought Zane G & I bought Nancy Drew books.
1 Like
That is a wonderful memory. Every Saturday, wow!
Both Evelyn and her father had opposite personalities. She was more low key and quiet-minded person while he was flamboyant and the life of the party.
As a child I adored the times my dear Grandma read to me or better yet, told me stories from her imagination. She had one in particular that she named simply Tommy and the Fishes, what adventures he had through her eyes. She not only share them with her grandchildren but when along came the great grandchildren, she willingly shared her stories with them. And now another generation has appeared, great, great grandchildren and its my hope that one young woman with their gifted writing abilities may finally put it to paper and publish our Grandma’s adventures.
It is apparent right from the beginning that Evelyn and her father have totally different outlooks on life.
My mom had a book of poetry that we used to read. When she died, that book was placed in a very prominent place on my bookshelves. It brings back a lot of good memories.
I can remember my father reading to me. But not nearly as much as he read to my daughter…lol!
Due to the age difference I dont think their difference in books shows too much. Children always love animals, so Black Beauty is no surprise. And for a man who gambles and drinks and thinks he is super slick an adventure book would be right up his alley.
That was a wonderful memory of her father to have, especially in light of what a deceitful man he was. But she would always carry some love for him with her. As a retired librarian, I found that girls preferred fiction nine times out of ten, and boys wanted to read about “real life” stuff, like sharks, sports, shipwrecks, action heroes, etc. Generally speaking, of course.
Their personalities were very different. Evelyn’s father wanted to live the adventures..which is how he lost/owed money. Evelyn’s personality was demure and calming. Although neither of my parents read to me, my mother made sure my brothers and I did read. My love of books comes from my mother.
I can remember my parents reading Dr. Seuss to me and my sisters (I think they had as much fun with those books as we did). Another favorite I remember them reading with us is Ferdinand the Bull.