Assigned Reading! Gross!
I remember teachers making bookmarks with the reading schedule and what chapter we should be on by what date. And I was always behind. Always. And not because I was a slow reader. But because the book was assigned. It just never felt like a pleasure.
My best friend growing up used to read books under her sheets at night with a flashlight. I remember a few times she was grounded because her mom caught her reading so late at night. Ha! I couldn't even fathom what that would be like. (Mostly because at the same time I was army crawling into my parents bedroom at 10:30 each night to watch M.A.S.H. with them, without them knowing I was there.)
Anyway, this whole thing with me and books has sort of continued. Every so often I read a book I adore and it gets me excited, but I have trouble starting books.
This has all changed, however. I have read six books in the last six weeks, and I don't know what has gotten into me. I remember my own mom getting lost in books all during my childhood and knowing on family vacations that "we had lost her" while she read in the car. And I think I'm turning into my mom. Some of those books I read in two days. One week I read 2 1/2 book. I actually haven't read anything in the last seven days because I thought my family deserved a bit more eye contact from me. :)
A few things that have changed:
1) I used to read a lot of non-fiction memoir or topical books. But I'm onto fiction, and I love it.
2) I try to read the first 100 pages as fast as I can. And if I don't like the book by then, I return it to the library. This month I started two books this way and felt no guilt returning them, unfinished.
3) I am choosing to read books that come highly recommended. After basically a lifetime of not reading for pleasure, I feel I have many options! (I'm also trying to read through this list. So far not one book has let me down!)
4) We currently don't have a tv in our house. Which is obviously great motivation to read for entertainment!
5) I have found that reading outside is one of my favorite things. The combination is perfection. Add an icy drink, and life is really, really grand.
And you? Do you have a favorite fiction book you'd love to share?!! I'm all ears! (I'm about to start that book pictured above, just as soon as I put the kids into Quiet Play Time. Hooray!)
4 comments:
I have a whole blog full of book recommendations (www.westmetromommyreads.com)! I also was a little late getting into "reading for fun." It wasn't until I was out of college for a couple of years before I was really able to enjoy books again. Also, "So Brave, Young, and Handsome" is good, but Leif Enger's first book ("Peace Like a River") is EXCELLENT.
Oh the book you are reading is great! Did you know that parts of it take place in Northfield Minnesota...I always love when there is a tie to the state you live in and a place you know about! I was an English teacher before staying at home and what you said is SO TRUE. We switched how we read in my classroom after realizing what kids don't need is schedule but a book buddy. Someone to help them realize what books they do like to read and give recommendations, get them excitied and how to learn how to pick books they like to keep reading...plus give them the first 15 minutes of every class to free read...anything they wanted. It was awesome. I had kids who had not read a book since they were in elementary school...read 5 or 6 books. It was one of my favorite moments. It works with adults too. I got my non-reading husband a book that I knew that was right up his interest and he devoured it:) Sorry...I just love reading and books and getting others excited about it.
There are so many books I could recommend. I usually read a non-fiction and fiction at the same time getting through about two fiction books for every non-fiction. Right now I'm reading "To Kill a Mockingbird" because somehow I missed that in school. I'm really enjoying it. I also enjoyed "The Orphan Train" recently. Like you, I wasn't fond of reading when I was a kid. And, when I had kids at home I had to stop reading fiction because my family would start to look so waif like it just didn't seem fair. :) My very most favorite series of books that I've read is called "The White House Chef Mysteries." They all have a good combination of humor, romance, intrigue, and some inside looks into the White House kitchen. Very fun, easy reads. The first one is called "State of the Onion. There are about 8 books in the series at this moment. If you haven't already read it "Mary Poppins" is a delightful book I know you'd enjoy. True it's for kids, but still, great book. "The Envelope" by John Agliata is excellent and "Redeeming Love" by Francine Rivers is a must read. Now we just have to get together and compare notes! :)
Melinda, I recently found your book list on your blog and am so excited to use it as a resource for more good reads!
Molly, I LOVE the idea of a book buddy making good recommendations! That changes everything! My book buddy is my sister-in-law, Sara. If she tells me she thinks I'd like a book I buy it on amazon because I know I'm going to end up wanting to own it in the end anyway. Having a quality book buddy is the best and is actually the thing that changed the most for me.
Nancy, I LOVE these recommendations. The white house kitchen books sound so perfect for what I'm enjoying. I can't get over how immoral and unethical some books are...I'm pleased to have your recommendations!
Joyfully,
Becca
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