There are certain books that you don’t just read. You absorb them and they color your experiences forever after. They become like family, a part of your life. I feel deeply grateful anytime I find a book like that, because they don’t come along all that often. Most of the books that are part of me were books I read as a kid (Anne of Green Gables, Watership Down, The Fellowship of the Ring, Dragonsinger, The Blue Sword). But there are others that I’ve found as an adult that have impacted me just as strongly. Ranking high among these are the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace.

This series follows stubborn, fun-loving, occasionally boy-crazy Betsy Ray (and her best friend Tacy) from age five to adulthood. Set in early 20th century Minnesota, the books are heavily based on the author’s own girlhood and are rich with cozy, colorful details and vibrant characters. The illustrations and reading levels of the books age along with Betsy. The first four books feature charming illustrations by Lois Lenski, while the more grown up and stylish high-school era Betsy is illustrated by Vera Neville.

I discovered these books when I was in my twenties, through an article in Victoria magazine. I don’t remember exactly what the article said, only that it was clear the author of the article LOVED these books, and that they must be something special. That’s not to say that everyone who reads them will adore them as I do. But if you are the right reader for these books, they will reward you so richly. I quickly sped through the first four “young Betsy” books and found them charming. But when I got to the six “older Betsy” books I fell in love.

Fortunately for me, the series had just been re-released around that time so I was able to purchase paperbacks of all ten of the Betsy books, as well as the three companion novels that feature other characters from Betsy’s world. I bought books about Maud Hart Lovelace. I visited Mankato MN, the real-life inspiration for Betsy’s beloved Deep Valley. I am thrilled any time I meet another Betsy-Tacy fan. And I really love the chance to introduce new readers to Betsy.

It’s a challenge, however, because the books have not been in print regularly. So I was thrilled to discover recently that Harper Perennial is reissuing the six “older Betsy” books this fall (as three volumes, each containing two of the books). Even better, they have the original Vera Neville art on the covers. To celebrate the reissues, and to encourage any of you who might be potential Betsy-Tacy fans out there, I am going to run a little six-week Friday feature here talking about why I love each of these books.

So tomorrow I’ll be back to talk about Heaven to Betsy, in which Betsy starts high school, struggles with finding a place in her life for her writing, and meets a Tall Dark Stranger.

Are any of you Betsy-Tacy fans? If you could share one of your all-time favorite books with the rest of the world, what would it be?

Tags: reading