I learned how when I was about, oh, four or so. My mom was an elementary school teacher and didn't want to teach me before I began school. Typical worry that I would get bored early and not like school. HA. Not bloody likely. I got really mad that no one would teach me how to read, so I purposely began asking to be read to, and only books I already knew by heart. I began connecting the words I was hearing with the shapes of the words on the page, and TA-DA. I could read, simply by being observant and making connections. Not that I was reading Dickens in first grade or anything, but the adventures of Dick and Jane were within my grasp.

Ever since, I've loved reading above all other pastimes. Damn, wish I had something new right now...