We’re excited to continue our #BooksThatShapedUs series, sharing stories from Oshkosh Area United Way (OAUW) staff, board members, and volunteers about the books that have shaped their lives. Literacy matters because it lays the foundation for a brighter future. Research shows that children who grow up with books in their homes build stronger language skills, perform better in school, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Through these reflections, we celebrate the power of books to inspire, comfort, and empower us throughout our lives.
For our latest installment—and in celebration of National Tolkien Reading Day on March 25—we’re reflecting on how stories like J.R.R. Tolkien’s can transport us to new worlds, spark creativity, and bring comfort during challenging times. Books have the power to shape who we are and how we see the world—just as they have for Amy Reese, our Marketing Manager.
Growing up, Amy was surrounded by stories. Her home was a haven for readers—her dad had an extensive history book collection, and after long days of work and raising a family, her mom would unwind each night with a good book. Her mom also read to her from books like Never Tease a Weasel by Jean Conder Soule and Miss Suzy by Miriam Young—stories that were later passed down to her younger brother. As an only child for nine years and born with significant hearing loss, Amy often found solace and companionship in books. Riding her bike to the Platteville Public Library, she regularly picked out her own books, filling her time with all kinds of characters and stories.
Amy fell in love with J.R.R. Tolkien and the tales of the Hobbits (first seen in a cartoon on TV at age 7), and she developed a passion for mysteries that began with The Boxcar Children by Gertrude Chandler Warner. This love of mystery evolved into a deep appreciation for Agatha Christie, the Sherlock Holmes series, and the Scottish Bakehouse Mysteries Club.
Today, Amy’s love of storytelling continues to shape both her personal artwork and her career in marketing and communications.
Amy’s story reminds us how books can be companions, teachers, and lifelong sources of inspiration.
Fun Fact: Did you know J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The Hobbit as a bedtime story for his children? What started as a simple tale to entertain them grew into the beloved classic we know today. His kids were the first audience, inspiring the magical world of Middle-earth!
How You Can Help Inspire the Love of Reading
At Oshkosh Area United Way, we’re passionate about ensuring every child has the opportunity to fall in love with reading. With your investment, we can continue supporting impactful programs like the Growing Readers tutoring program and our partnership with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library. And with your donation of new and gently used books, we can keep putting books into the hands of kiddos in our area through local events.
Your support can truly make a difference! Whether you choose to make a monetary donation or contribute new and gently used books, your generosity helps inspire a love of reading in children and families, opening doors to brighter futures.
To coordinate a book donation drop-off:
- Email us: oauw@oshkoshunitedway.org
- Call us: (920) 235-8560
Together, we can inspire the next generation of readers!
If you enjoyed this story, be sure to check out Heidi’s and Beth’s #BooksThatShapedUs.