An Inspiring Gift, Essay Example

Barbara Gougeon in “An Inspiring Gift,” claims that lifelong passions are often the outcome of gifts we are given during childhood. She talks about how a Christmas present from her parents changed her attitude towards reading. The author mentions her initial lack of enthusiasm but all that changed when she finally got the chance to read the book. She was captivated by the character of Heidi and her enthusiasm for life. The author immersed herself so deeply in the story that it seemed as if she actually started experiencing Heidi’s adventures from sleeping in bed of straw and eating fresh goat cheese to drinking goat milk and romping through the meadows. The author could also feel Heidi’s emotions because the story sparked her imagination. The experience taught the author that good readings do contribute towards a more imaginative mind. The author imagines many people such as chemists, painters, sportsmen, and musicians must have discovered their true love due to a gift received during childhood. The author concludes by advising the readers to never underestimate the power of a good book, especially those that helps us connect with the characters, their emotions, and the struggles they go through in the stories. Even more powerful are the stories where the main character is a heroine and beats great odds stacked against her.