MOSCOW, Nov. 10 (Xinhua) -- Famed Russian gymnast Svetlana Horkina has been a big fan of adventure stories since her childhood.

    "I always strive to be as brave and tough as Robinson, and never lose confidence and hope for a brighter future," Horkina told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    Horkina, who has established her reputation as the queen of gymnastics and whose elegance and courage were the beautiful memories of an era, is now a lawmaker of the State Duma, Russia's lower house of parliament, as well as the mother of a four-year-old boy.

    Horkina said that the enlightenment provided by books had accompanied and inspired her since her childhood.

    "No matter what the obstacles are, we must persist in being ourselves and have our own thoughts and faith. By doing so, we will find the strength to go ahead no matter how many difficulties we might encounter in the future," she said.

    Speaking of her favorite book Robinson Crusoe, a masterpiece of English writer Daniel Defoe, Horkina said that Robinson's immense spiritual power and strong charism had made an indelible impression on her and had been inspiring for her career and life.

    She recalled that she read Robinson Crusoe so many times that the book was worn out. Sometimes, she and her playmates even played the roles in the book.

    The former gymnast added that one day, she imagined she was living in Robinson's thatched cottage and was in need of something to clean the room.

    "What could I do when I had nothing but my clothes?" she said. "I wiped the floor spotlessly clean with my clothes. You can imagine how my mother would react to it."

    "Now, I myself am a mother. I often recall Robinson's words," Horkina said.

    She added that she began to grasp the full meaning of the philosophy embodied in the book when she grew up. "I know there is the concept of 'Tao' in Chinese philosophy. This novel has helped me find my own 'Tao' -- the path of my life," she said.

    Apart from Robinson Crusoe, Horkina was also fond of Russian folk fairy tales. "I have long wanted a little magic power in our life. How good that is!"

    Russian fairy stories contain infinite wisdom and energy that would warm our hearts, Horkina said. She expressed the hope that children would read more such stories because by doing so, they would not only learn more about Russian culture, but also acquire wisdom.

    Horkina said it's regrettable that nowadays books had been squeezed out by TV and Internet although books can help people find ways to solve problems, improve their language capabilities and enrich their minds.

    "I understand the youth are interested in electronic products. But I hope that kids would read more books, and parents and teachers should take their due responsibilities in this regard," she said.

    In a world of quick tempo, people should spend time reading for themselves and their hearts, said Horkina. "Adults, please read for your children and discuss with them," she added.