I just read a great short story by Isaac Asimov, the Last Question, and I was reminded how much I loved Asimov as a kid and every time I read or re-read one of his books or short stories I'm continually pleased.
I remember my first Asimov book: I, Robot, which a librarian recommended to me after I asked her for a good sci fi book in elementary school. I can't be certain, but I think it was at a public library in a mall- my memory may be failing me on that last point. Anyway, I wish there was some way to go back and thank her.
Speaking of failing memory, I'm always amazed at the plastic nature of memory. I'm pretty certain that I was introduced to Asimov in the manner that I described above, but the memory is faint enough that I can't discount the possibility that I am full of b.s. In my high school AP psych class, we read about a study done in the 80s (?) where false memories were implanted in kids' heads after their family members created short episodes and told it to the children around the kitchen table- such as a time when the child was left by himself in the mall. The false memories were quickly absorbed by the subjects and often resulted in new details being added to the false story. I don't know if this has been done in adults- maybe kids are more susceptible to this, but I would not be surprised to find this is more generally true for everyone.
1 comment:
Your memory is correct. There used to be a small public library in Fair Oaks Mall!
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