I enjoy reading the Bible, international magazines, books about exotic countries, self-help articles, cook books, home decor books. I’m like a Martha Stewart type of person so I think that drives my thirst to indulge in titles like: National Geographic, Departures, Food and Wine, Country Kitchen, and Essence. I would say that I read when something catches my attention, but I'm not the book club type of reader. You know, the whole let's get together and bash men type of book club-goer. I do enjoy book clubs as a learning environment though. It's functional, it's fun and when it over, I've learned something. This happens when I attend weekly Bible study and staff development in school.
Early on I use to love reading books like Goosebumps, Kids Sports Illustrated and Highlights, with all the fun activities. My grammar school librarian was always pushing us to read books that looked different and would challenge us, not just books on our levels. I use to read the dictionary for fun...I know, I know, boring. But it helped me score 100s on spelling test. Every A on my report card meant $100 in the bank. Oh Yeah, those were the days.
The only negative experience I have about reading is when my parents would make me bring home text books to read even when I didn't have homework. My mom was the worst; she didn’t care if I cried, drew blood, or pulled out my hair. I had to read the next two chapters in my school books and then be tested on the information. “I was so glad she was not a teacher!” Her favorite subject for me was social studies and English. That drove me crazy, but I guess it paid off. I was an A/A+ student until college. Then my GPA went down to a B. The Irony: My favorite subjects are English and Grammar.
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2 comments:
I find it interesting, but also perplexing that your parents forced you to read ahead in your textbooks, but never read to you as a child. They obviously thought they were doing what was best for you, and your good grades are at least partially indicative of those early reading experiences. I wonder if you spoke with your parents today, how they would explain why they required you to read ahead in your textbooks, but never read to you. With your knowledge of the positive results in overall reading achievement and interest in children who are read to by their parents, perhaps you can explain to your parents the misguided or misinformed nature of the reading they required you to do as a child. I admire your willingness to become an avid reader. You are certainly on the right track in reading about subjects that interest you. I wholeheartedly believe that choosing what to read is a personal choice. Just because you are not reading a New York Times bestseller or a selection from Oprah's Book Club does not mean that what you are reading is not important. If the material you are reading engages and stimulates you as a reader, you will absolutely be successful in achieving your reading goals. Best of luck!
Book clubs are hard, I actually thought of joining one but could not find one for my own age- I too don't want to bash men, and hope one day to find one of a different sort. You seem to like a lot of non-fiction, do you just not like reading it or was it your mom's text-book influence that pushed you to only read non-fiction. Although it is clear to see that your parents cared deeply about your education I wish they had not caused such a negative reaction to reading.
Congrats with the GPA- and B is great.
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