I grew up with three little brothers. Every Christmas, we'd have piles of toy trucks and Lincoln Logs and G.I. Joes under the tree. Those were for them. For me? My No. 1 favorite present of all time: books. Two or three tall stacks of wonderful stories that I could lose myself in for weeks.

In this quote, Karen Robards reflects on her childhood Christmas memories, where the focus of the holiday gifts was on toys for her three little brothers, such as toy trucks, Lincoln Logs, and G.I. Joes. However, Robards shares that her personal favorite gift was always books. This reveals her deep love for reading and how books provided her with a means of escape and exploration. While her brothers enjoyed toys for active play, Robards found her greatest joy in immersing herself in the world of stories.

Robards emphasizes that books were her No. 1 favorite present, illustrating how much they meant to her compared to the more common toys of the time. The idea of receiving two or three tall stacks of books underscores her passion for literature and her ability to lose herself in the narratives contained within them. Her fondness for books not only highlights her love for storytelling but also illustrates how reading became a cherished escape during her formative years.

The origin of this quote lies in Robards’ personal experiences growing up, where her relationship with books shaped her development as a writer. Known for her work as a romantic suspense author, Robards draws upon her early love of stories to create her own. This quote provides insight into how her literary passion began as a child, shaping her career and love for the written word.

In essence, Robards’ quote celebrates the power of books and reading in shaping one’s imagination and sense of self. For her, Christmas was not just about the toys others received, but about the stories that books provided, offering her a world of adventure, learning, and personal growth. Her experience highlights the lasting impact that literature can have on an individual’s life, shaping both their childhood and their future.