<p>Off topic, but in terms of exposure, I still think back fondly to Bugs Bunny in Rabbit of Seville, Rhapsody Rabbit, and Fantasia.</p>
<p>My memory is not good. I can’t separate out what I was required to read for school and what I read on my own. I do remember that I read widely and across genres with lots of variability in quality. I’m impressed by all of you who have kept it straight.</p>
<p>I’m also having trouble wrapping my head around this notion of grim. It didn’t register that way for me. The only book I’ve read in recent times that strikes me a unrelentingly grim is The Road. Even A Fine Balance, with its complete imbalance and utter misery, was a book worth reading and well executed. </p>
<p>I also remember that there were certain authors whose works required a good guide. Shakespeare and Chaucer come to mind. I couldn’t have tackled that writing without help but with help, the sharpness, humor, and excellence of the writing came alive.</p>