Elvy Howard

I taught myself to read when I was four, with a child's record player, and a book and record set.

My mom figured out my new talent when she caught me looking for words I could recognize on the opposite side of the newspaper she was reading.

She told me to stop, because, "I don't want you to be a smart-ass when you start school". This plan did not work.

When I was seven, I secretly adopted Catherine Booker as my Grandmother. She was a lot nicer than my real Grandma, and could've cooked blind if she had to. When I was little, I'd sit in her kitchen, and watch, fascinated, as she'd 'measure' ingredients in her hand to make biscuits, cakes, anything at all. She lived in rural Cumberland County, Virginia, and had an ancient pet horse, who'd watch her work too, through the kitchen window. My entire life, I've aspired to be as wonderful as she was, in and out of the kitchen.

At least I got the cooking part right. The two first loves of my life, reading and good food, I share with you. I hope you enjoy them both.