It was a lazy summer afternoon when I saw it for the first time, hidden in a dust laden corner in the reference section of the district public library. I brushed the dirt off it and sat awhile with it on a chair by the window. It was the 1965 First Edition published by Hamlyn. I then realized, right on that chair, what a treasure I had found. Even though was no book could be borrowed from the reference section, I pleaded with the librarian so much so he issued it to me at last. After completing the book I was so enthralled by it and wanted to keep it so badly that the little intention I had of returning it back were gone. The library did fine me 55 INR (something like $1.5 at that time) under 'book lost' policy which I was more than happy to pay!
More than two decades have passed since then and Boy's Choice still sits proudly at the center of my personal library. Even today when I am not too busy with the necessities of life, I always find some time to pick this half century old collection of stories up. As I pore over it, all the cherished works comes alive and I bask in the thrills and actions of the fast paced narratives as Jim Starling and his gang pulls a fast one on the rivals on a Guy Fawkes night, as Felicity Jane turns her brother into a cat and many more. Another one was Affair of Honour, my favorite with its witty brawl, pulsating anticipation and a spellbinding ending (I can't help thinking if the character theme of Eli in 'The Book of Eli' was not inspired from it!!). It is a astounding book that when I finish, I want to go back to the beginning and start over.
More than two decades have passed since then and Boy's Choice still sits proudly at the center of my personal library. Even today when I am not too busy with the necessities of life, I always find some time to pick this half century old collection of stories up. As I pore over it, all the cherished works comes alive and I bask in the thrills and actions of the fast paced narratives as Jim Starling and his gang pulls a fast one on the rivals on a Guy Fawkes night, as Felicity Jane turns her brother into a cat and many more. Another one was Affair of Honour, my favorite with its witty brawl, pulsating anticipation and a spellbinding ending (I can't help thinking if the character theme of Eli in 'The Book of Eli' was not inspired from it!!). It is a astounding book that when I finish, I want to go back to the beginning and start over.
