I have read several books in the past few months.
One was Peace like a River, the Los Angeles Times Best Book of the Year.
The Midwestern family in this novel has miracles happen every few months.
It has me thinking about what kind of things our kids will remeber from their
childhood. Are Ralph and I reminding them often enough of the LORD's
miracles we have witnessed?
Another was One Flew over the Cookoo's Nest. Painful reading at times, knowing the tragic ending to come. Yet, I couldn't put it down.
Laurie Halse Anderson's historical fiction work, Fever 1793, was another one that had me hooked from beginning to end.
Phillip Yancey's I Was Just Wondering is the one that currently has my attention.
I read a long time each night before bed, while the supper is cooking, and
any other time I can catch a few minutes.
After explaining to students their assignments, I have been able to read
quite a bit while substitute teaching.
Various times the students would ask me about the book I was reading.
I was saddened to learn that so many of the kids never read, or only read
what they absolutely have to for a passing grade.
In the 8th grade English class, the kids had two months to read Johnny
Tremain. The day I had to sub was the 100 question test over that book. Many
of them complained as I was handing it out. "But I'm not ready"- "But I
didn't read it after the first 5 pages", etc.Some even joked about it and
seemed proud that they had not read it.
Reading is one of my absolute favorite things to do. I started reading aloud
to our kids when they were infants. I thank God that they all enjoy reading
for pleasure now. We have enough books in our home to start a library. When
I think of the books that I have read just in April, and all the things I
have learned, and how I have been challenged and encouraged in my walk with
Christ, I am overwhelmed.
To think that so many of the students I work with every day are missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures saddens me.
I have decided that talking about my current read is going to be a regular
part of my "good morning, class. Mr. So-and-So is ill today" speech.
It's my small way of trying to get the IM/Facebook generation back into books!
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2 comments:
I so agree with you Kathy - I read every chance I get . . . and am thrilled that Nathan seems to love books . . . so much to learn and soak up and take in! wishing you well and you try to motivate your students (of course, a lot of this comes from the home and perhaps even culture - Santi was never encouraged to read and he didn't grow up with a computer or electronic games - he just simply didn't have books around.) Take care - Love - Ruth
I LOVE Peace Like A River. One of my favorite books. And written by a Minnesotan :-) Keep sharing your love of reading!
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