March 28: Books

When I was little, I loved to read. I read in the car everywhere we went. I could have probably understood advanced texts or classics, but that is not what I chose to read. My favorite authors were peeps like Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary.

Then, I discovered The Babysitter's Club, and I read those for forever. Super Specials were the best. I loved that their handwriting was included, and I tried with all my might to make Ss like Stacey. Reflecting back now, these were the first books that told the story from each person's point of view. These, today, are still my favorites.

I had read several books out of the Welch Library, but the best was when the Book Fair came. I still have no clue why I enjoyed those abuse stories of horrible happenings to people, but even today, I love it when people are saved in the story. In high school, I don't know how much I read on the side, or which author I read. I do remember us passing a book around to nearly every high school girl because it was so good.

In college, I did not read for pleasure. How could I? There were gallons and gallons of homework and reading and writing! I was an English major. The class I read for pleasure in was Shakespeare. Yep, I love him and his plays. I would leave my social events saying, "I have a date with Shakespeare." And return to my apartment and read a play for the next day. Yes, the whole play.

As an adult, I have read after everyone else has. I read Harry Potter when they had already printed Book 4. I read the Twilight series at least a year after everyone else did. I have enjoyed Hunger Games, Divergent, and my new favorite, Michael Vey. Series are probably my favorite because the story continues over time. When you read a really good book, you want it to last longer than just 300 pages. I have also discovered I like Nicholas Sparks, Karen Kingsbury, and Sarah Dessen. Even as an adult, I really like books that are not for my age.

As an instructional coach, I need to be reading more professionally; fortunately, I have a friend at the library who has a book club where I can still enjoy some fifth and sixth grade reading. This year, I have read Chasing the Falconers (another great series), A Wrinkle in Time (I had never read it), The One and Only Ivan, Small Steps, and one more I cannot remember.

I am looking forward to reading some other books looking into ordering for next year! Books just open us to a world where we can experience so many things. There is nothing else like it.