I don't always like to think about it, but lots of us are heading back to school--elementary, middle, high school, college, and the school of life. It's all a never-ending adventure in learning when you are enamored with literature. But, this time of the year sets a tone, makes me remember that I need to pursue my course of reading and thinking (regardless of whether a teacher is standing over me).

But, oh, think of those days...

Do you remember all of those first days of school? Every year, I'd get that sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. Then, after a few days, the school routine would kick in... What are your memories of heading back to school? In An Old Man's Thought of School, Walt Whitman writes,

"An old man's thought of school,
An old man gathering youthful memories and blooms that youth itself cannot.
Now only do I know you,
O fair auroral skies--O morning dew upon the grass!
And these I see, these sparkling eyes,
These stores of mystic meaning, these young lives,
Building, equipping like a fleet of ships, immortal ships,
Soon to sail out over the measureless seas,
On the soul's voyage."

Join our discussion: Back-to-School Memories. Then, take a look at how to succeed in literature. And, read How To Study.

What do you recall? What about your learning experience do you never want to forget? And, how do you continue learning? Do you consciously make an effort to read and learn every day?

When I was a girl, I spent many hours buried in a book. I devoured them all--and would have rather spent time curled up with a volume than participated in most other activities... Perhaps that's why I enjoyed Jane Eyre so much. I was never an orphan, but her early experience could have mirrored that of the "everygirl" bookworm--reading, imagining and dreaming of a future I could never quite foretell.

The novel was penned such a long time ago--sent off to the publishing house (Smith Elder & Company) on August 24, 1847. The novel was submitted by a "Currer Bell," pseudonym for Charlotte Bronte. She was a "scribbling woman" after all--and Jane Eyre inspired controversy and a strong emotive response. Do you know why? Did the novel affect you? How well do you know the novel? Why not take the quiz. If you've read the book, you'll find such moments of simple beauty: "I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will."

What's your favorite literary moment in the novel? Are there passages you detest?

I would have thought that the renovations (and particularly, the toilet) of J.D. Salinger wouldn't be of particular interest; but apparently they are. Salinger is famous for The Catcher in the Rye. His reclusive life as a writer, as well as his recent death appears to have pushed up the value of any item related to J.D. Salinger.

Perhaps you have some dental floss Salinger used? Or a toothpick? Such an item might be worth thousands... What a world--when a toilet is being auctioned off for such an outrageous amount ($1 million, on Ebay, according to a report from Globe and Mail). I suppose such an item might have a place in a J.D. Salinger museum. Or, it could offer some bit of writerly inspiration. Anything's possible, right? How much would you pay for an item--formerly belonging to your favorite author? Do you believe that inspiration can be passed on by owning an object? There's something iconic about such a presumption. After all, they've been selling saintly and other mystical relics/artifacts for a LONG time.

Personally, I'd prefer to remember him for his works and for his reluctance to be shaped by public opinion. He lived a true writer's life--what a luxury!

Have you ever noticed how some days seem PERFECT for fairy tales? I'd love a visit from the shoemaker's elves, or impish fairy--even a Trickster might be a comic relief ;)

Have you imagined your life as a fairy tale? Has your evil stepmother ruined your life, or your Prince Charming has ridden off into the sunset--with every indication that he won't return. Literature (and fairy tales) reflects life; and sometimes, those stories are just what we need to put some perspective on a particularly difficult day. Take a look at Celtic fairy tales, Welsh fairy tales, and Grimm's fairy tales. Even the most cheery (and perfect) days can benefit from a fairy-tale interlude!

In which fairy tale have you imagined yourself? What would be your perfect fairy-tale ending?