Books and Me and Reading and Satisfaction

I saw the bookmobile today.

I haven't seen the bookmobile in *ages*. It was one of the greatest parts of my childhood. I LOVED it when the bookmobile showed up on our street. It didn't come all that often, unless I'm misremembering, and I'm sure someone will set me straight if I am - and it didn't come for that long of a period in time -

but when that long bus drove down my street, and parked about 4 blocks from my house...

we all raced to get there.

I've always loved to read. As long as I can remember, reading has always been one of my most favorite ways to spend time. My husband doesn't enjoy reading - and he expresses wonder that I love it so - and I can't imagine not reading all the time. Reading takes me to other places, where I can be other people, learn other things and just - I can't really explain it -

become.

One of my kids came to me today and told me that a math teacher had pulled this child aside and expressed concern over a plummeting math grade. Child X told me that the solution was obvious - the book that had been brought to school was beckoning, and with a story like that - who would want to solve for X?

We had to have a discussion about responsibilities and the reality that the book needed to remain in the locker.

But I got it. Oh, how I got it. I've got a book awaiting my eager hands right now - but work and dishes and packing lunches and maybe a shower come first.

But I SO want to read.

When I was in 6th grade, I was a homely, ugly thing who was the butt of jokes and the class target. I hid in the library to escape being ridiculed yet again, and in the process became great friends with the librarian. Which, ya know, did nothing for my popularity - but did wonders for my imagination.

I want my children to love books - want the library to be the best part of their school experience, want them to seek new tales and discover far off lands. My kids have all loved to read - but sometimes, other people don't want to encourage that. I want all adults to be invested in the reading habits of all children - to be willing and able to say, "Hey! You like dogs? I know this GREAT set - have you ever seen these?" and lead them into the future. 

It's interesting though - my oldest two were former bookworms and now haven't picked up a book voluntarily in recent memory.

When I just asked my oldest daughter why she stopped reading, she said that she has no time anymore, and there really aren't any good books. Then she blasphemed - "Why read the book when you can just see the movie? The movie is just as good!"

Yes. A part of me just died.

That right there is heresy.

 This video spoke to me.

 

And Project 12/366 - my morning view:

Make sure you enter this giveaway for a gorgeous Shabby Apple dress

Comments

[colleen]

hi! i found you via 4 kids or more via pioneer woman:) so excited to be here! love love that video. my oldest (of 6) is 12 and a MAJOR bookworm. I love it and want to encourage her to continue on the path:)

great to meet you and looking forward to reading more~

[Sandra]

i'm loving the coffee mug. where did you find it? or did you make it?

[Angela]

Ugh. A part of me just died too.

I don't remember how often the bookmobile came but I do remember loving it too! Won my first ever contest there when I was 5!!

Mikey is doing the Read 180 program at school and now, for the first time, he is reading voluntarily. Getting up early and staying up late to read!

My heart is full.

[Kay]

You and I are soul sisters! I love me some books and coffee. I loved, loved, loved the bookmobile. It came to our school parking lot and I could stay in there for hours.

Cool coffee mug, too.

[Elizabeth]

I have to admit that I was the child who would read instead of doing classwork. I can't remember a time I didn't read daily for fun. Even in college I still found time to read for pleasure. Not as much as I did when younger but still made the time.

I don't remember bookmobiles but we moved a lot. I loved the library though and still do. All those free books!!

[addy]

Would read myself into all kinds of trouble at home - not cleaning my room, not doing laundry. Still love to read books, kindle, magazine, newspaper, cereal boxes....Doesn't matter to me as long as I can read.

[PamL]

I just read a book yesterday instead of running errands, cleaning, etc. I haven't done that in a really, really long time and it felt so good! All the cleaning and errands are still waiting for me today! :) I just couldn't put it down!

The book is Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand about a WWII guy whose plane crashes in the Pacific, floats on a raft for 40 days, ends up in Japanese territory. Very well written and researched. I think you'd like it!

Next on my list is one that you recommended--The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. Just got it from the library. But I guess I better get my chores done before I start it! :)

[Cheryl]

Wow - was just thinking about the bookmobile the other day. Drove past the corner where it used to park every Saturday. That was the best day of the week!! New books every single Saturday!! I still read all the time - the local library ladies know me by name, and my Kindle is always well stocked! I just retired, so have lots and lots of time to read now. Books and coffee - mmmmm!

[LizP]

I think a part of a lot of us just died :-) I was an avid reader when I was a kid. I've slowed down since I had kids because I don't have time and I've found I don't have the attention span either. I'm so trained to be interupted every 90 seconds that I can't concentrate, even when the kids aren't around.

[Karen Z]

Love the book video - thanks for sharing.

[Megan]

Aww, that makes me sad that your oldest daughter said that. I've seen some books that became great movies, but I've also seen some blasphemies. (Cheaper By the Dozen, anyone?)

I love reading, but I have to admit that it started to lose its appeal when we got internet access when I was 13. In a world with ipods and video games and internet everyone and texting, I'm ashamed to say I don't have much attention span for books. I still read but nowhere near on the level I used to.

I had a similar math experience in 6th grade. I got caught reading a book while we were supposed to be checking homework, and the teacher took it away and I had to bring in a note from my mom to get it back. Not one of my proudest academic moments.

[Headless Mom]

I lost my Aiming Low coffee mug. A little piece of me has died....

[Sharilyn]

Ahhhhh, books. Have you seen the Julian Smith video? "Don't Ever Interrupt Me When I'm Readin' a Book." Our family motto.

I grew up in a rural farming community--small country school. The bookmobile was a source of immense wonder. I can close my eyes and imagine being inside. Discovering the Black Stallion series...

[Kelley]

My nine year old doesn't like to read. He would be fine with never reading at all. It makes me sad. I was a book worm. I loved the library and alwasy spent Christmas money on books.