L is for The Little Prince #AtoZChallenge

Not long ago, I found this 1943 copy of The Little Prince in a thrift store. It caught my eye because it was obviously aged and worn. I was surprised to find it still had its dust jacket because the first thing my children did when they received a book with one was to remove it and hand it to me so i could put it in a safe place. The irony was lost on them.

I’m not familiar with the story in this book. One of the pitfalls of having early readers is that they preferred to read to themselves at a much younger age and I lost out on a second chance to discover books that I might have missed myself when I was younger. This book was a favorite of my middle child, Kris. In fact, Kris went back as a teenager and read it in French. Kris’s copy is still on our bookshelf.

The reason that I ultimately purchased the book was because of the inscription inside. I wish it was dated. With names like Brooke and Ryan, I’m fairly certain that the book was purchased used and given as a loving gift because those names are more modern.

I have to wonder how it found its way to a thrift store. It raises so many questions for me. Were Ryan and Brooke already married when he gave her this book? Or were they dating and still in college, perhaps? And was it maybe referring to a future they might have together? Did poor Ryan jump the gun? Did Brooke end up not being a teacher? Or if they were married and more established, why would Brooke get rid of a book that her husband gave her to read to their child? Was there no child? Did they split up? I’m certain there’s a story in there somewhere!

Happy Weekend!

-Kat