You know the kind of book that is a good read all the way through, frustrates you near the end because of the injustices that befall the protagonists, and then leaves you to shut the book with satisfaction and an undeniable sense of being fired-up for all the right reasons? Well, I finished that kind of book this morning.
I had pulled "The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared" out of the shelf in my Mum's office at home when I was there in late November. As I always do, I started right inside the front cover and read through the five and a half pages of acclaim for the book. Then I dived in to the foreword, by the author's father, the hero of the story. But it took me weeks to get through the eight-page foreword and the following two-page introduction. I didn't turn to Chapter 1 until the first day of the New Year. And then, a few chapters in, I lost my interest in reading for a few weeks as my grandmother grew weaker and eventually lost her battle with the quick-growing cancer that had invaded her lungs several months earlier. I didn't pick up the book again until sometime last week. Since then, though, I have flown through it, in between reading posts from the blogs I follow (the main reason I don't read real books near as much as I used to...). This morning I finished it. And when I chatted with my mother and told her that I had finished a book that I had found in her library, I learned it was actually my Grandma's book that she had loaned to my Mum for her to read.
Between this knowledge and the last few chapters of the book - which share the story of the author's father losing his passion in life when the school libraries he had worked at for years told him to cut down on reading to the children (in favour of teaching them how to use computers) and eventually to stop reading to them altogether - I could have felt saddened. Saddened by a world (or at least a country or culture) that doesn't value the written word or the practice of reading to children anymore. And saddened by the fact that I no longer have a living grandmother. But, can honestly say that I wasn't saddened. In fact, I was encouraged by the turn of events at the end of the book where the father finds others who can appreciate his gift of reading aloud, those in nursing homes, preschools, and hospitals. And encouraged by the fact that there are still people out there who care about words and about reading. People like my Grandma, a former schoolteacher, who, as a mother, grandmother, aunt, sister, and wife, read to those around her and always encouraged reading. There is hope for this world because of people like those in the book and because of people like her. And I for one, have regained my interesting in reading again, and have a rekindled desire to surround myself and my family with amazing books, and to continue to share them with those around me.
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Saturday, April 14, 2012
{Spotlight} Mo Willems
Back in the fall of 2009 I took a wonderful class called Survey of Children's Literature. It was my favourite class of my whole college career. During that class I was introduced to children's author Mo Willems and his classic book "Don't Let the Pigeon Drive the Bus!" That book turned into a whole pigeon series that concentrate on punctuation, inflection, repetition, and interactive stories where the children can be just as involved in the story reading as the person reading to them. I think it's great!
But what I like even more is this video Willems made. I found it when someone posted a link on Facebook to a new series he's been writing, the Elephant and Piggie books. I absolutely love how Willems explains his writing process, and the reason he tells kids they should learn to read.
Mo Willems is definitely a fun guy who writes fun kids books.
But what I like even more is this video Willems made. I found it when someone posted a link on Facebook to a new series he's been writing, the Elephant and Piggie books. I absolutely love how Willems explains his writing process, and the reason he tells kids they should learn to read.
Mo Willems is definitely a fun guy who writes fun kids books.
Monday, March 05, 2012
Where do you get your energy?
I love books. And I'm an introvert. So watch this TED video and then imagine how much I love and agree with it. Extroverts are great. We need them in this world. But introverts are just as great and just as needed. Isn't it time we start recognizing that fact and encourage it instead of condemning it?
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Books, not textbooks
Yesterday I read a Globe and Mail article about a Canadian Spanish War veteran finally being honoured for his role in the conflict. (Wow, I can't believe that only took 73 years!) I really enjoyed the article and reading about Mr. Paivio's experiences during his time in Spain. I always like reading stories about the very interesting lives other people live.
But today, my post isn't about that, although I think it's wonderful this 94 year old man is finally getting some recognition for his service. Reading this story reminded me of something from my childhood. It's about what students don't learn in school (although, remember this is just from my perspective.) I learned lots of really important and valuable information during my 13 years (including kindergarten) of pre-college education. But there was one subject that I was consistently disappointed in. In early elementary school I kept asking my mum when I was going to get to have History class, like I'd read about in many 'old time' books. It sounded so fascinating, and I couldn't wait to dive right in to learning about the past! But I had to start with Social Studies. I kept waiting for that magic time when Social Studies would turn into History. Maybe in grade five, I remember thinking. Hmmm, OK, maybe next year in grade six. But, sadly, that day never came. Not until I was in university. And while I was sitting in Social Studies classes, waiting for History to happen, I missed out on learning about some pretty interesting past events.
It wasn't in a textbook that I first learned about the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). No, it was Chaim Potok's coming-of-age story, "Davita's Harp," about a Jewish-by-birth, later Jewish-by-religion girl. That book touched on many aspects that fascinated - and still fascinate - me. The intriguing life of Hasidic Jews. Certain pieces of artwork, significant historical events in America and around the world during the 20s and 30s, and interesting snatches of creative writing. And, of course, the Spanish Civil War. I had learned about many wars and conflicts in Social Studies, but not once had the Spanish Civil War come up. A mysterious textbook omission eerily similar to the seldom talked about Halifax Explosion. (Wouldn't you know, I learned about that disaster from another young adult book, "Irish Chain." Why, again, isn't history taught by reading historical books?)
I believe that History - or Social Studies, whatever is the preferred term these days - shouldn't be taught by textbooks. No, not at all. It should be taught by historical books, either fiction or nonfiction, that draw the reader in and take hold of them, never letting them forget the fascinating past of this world. If it weren't for reading so many young adult books as a child and teen (and adult), I would have never discovered so many interesting facts about history. Turns out I didn't need History class or Social Studies. I just needed books!
Note: To be perfectly fair, there was one Social Studies textbook that I adored. I had moved to Alberta just in time for grade three. That year our textbook was about a girl who watched the news and found out, completely by accident, that she was able to climb through her TV and into the actual news stories. She explored all of the provinces in Canada that way and I was hooked. Hooked on history. Hooked on learning about my country. Hooked on traveling. Hooked on reading. Hooked on inventing my own crazy stories. In recent years, I've tried to find a copy of that grade three textbook but, with no idea of the title or how to figure out what textbooks the Alberta government approved for grade three in 1993-1994, I've never succeeded. If any of you know how to figure that stuff out or ever saw or used this textbook, I would love to get my hands on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
But today, my post isn't about that, although I think it's wonderful this 94 year old man is finally getting some recognition for his service. Reading this story reminded me of something from my childhood. It's about what students don't learn in school (although, remember this is just from my perspective.) I learned lots of really important and valuable information during my 13 years (including kindergarten) of pre-college education. But there was one subject that I was consistently disappointed in. In early elementary school I kept asking my mum when I was going to get to have History class, like I'd read about in many 'old time' books. It sounded so fascinating, and I couldn't wait to dive right in to learning about the past! But I had to start with Social Studies. I kept waiting for that magic time when Social Studies would turn into History. Maybe in grade five, I remember thinking. Hmmm, OK, maybe next year in grade six. But, sadly, that day never came. Not until I was in university. And while I was sitting in Social Studies classes, waiting for History to happen, I missed out on learning about some pretty interesting past events.
It wasn't in a textbook that I first learned about the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). No, it was Chaim Potok's coming-of-age story, "Davita's Harp," about a Jewish-by-birth, later Jewish-by-religion girl. That book touched on many aspects that fascinated - and still fascinate - me. The intriguing life of Hasidic Jews. Certain pieces of artwork, significant historical events in America and around the world during the 20s and 30s, and interesting snatches of creative writing. And, of course, the Spanish Civil War. I had learned about many wars and conflicts in Social Studies, but not once had the Spanish Civil War come up. A mysterious textbook omission eerily similar to the seldom talked about Halifax Explosion. (Wouldn't you know, I learned about that disaster from another young adult book, "Irish Chain." Why, again, isn't history taught by reading historical books?)
I believe that History - or Social Studies, whatever is the preferred term these days - shouldn't be taught by textbooks. No, not at all. It should be taught by historical books, either fiction or nonfiction, that draw the reader in and take hold of them, never letting them forget the fascinating past of this world. If it weren't for reading so many young adult books as a child and teen (and adult), I would have never discovered so many interesting facts about history. Turns out I didn't need History class or Social Studies. I just needed books!
Note: To be perfectly fair, there was one Social Studies textbook that I adored. I had moved to Alberta just in time for grade three. That year our textbook was about a girl who watched the news and found out, completely by accident, that she was able to climb through her TV and into the actual news stories. She explored all of the provinces in Canada that way and I was hooked. Hooked on history. Hooked on learning about my country. Hooked on traveling. Hooked on reading. Hooked on inventing my own crazy stories. In recent years, I've tried to find a copy of that grade three textbook but, with no idea of the title or how to figure out what textbooks the Alberta government approved for grade three in 1993-1994, I've never succeeded. If any of you know how to figure that stuff out or ever saw or used this textbook, I would love to get my hands on it. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Librarian stats
I've thought of getting my master's. The only problem is, I'm have yet to figure out what field I would actually want to study further. I've given a passing thought to a master's in journalism/communication, library science and creative writing. After finding the infographic below, library science is looking pretty interesting. Really, my dream job would be one where I'm paid to read, but working in a library everyday seems like it might be almost as good. Anyway, take a look at these interesting librarian statistics.
Monday, September 05, 2011
Reading slacker
Since the summer of 2009, I've keep a record of the books I've read, creatively calling my spreadsheet "Books Read List." The other day, after finishing Sam Campbell's "Eeny, Meeny, Miney, Mo -- and Still-Mo" I opened my spreadsheet to document my completed book. The sight that greeted my eyes was dismal, to say the least. And here's why: since getting back from Tanzania at the end of April, I have only read four complete books. FOUR! In more than four months! That is disturbing, despairaging (a good word for this situation), and despicable! And you want to hear the really, really ugly news? (You probably don't, but I'm going to tell you anyway.) I read only one full book between returning from Africa and my wedding on August 1. The only other book I attempted to read before the wedding was started on May 3, but not completed until August 16. I feel like a failure of a reader...and this from a self-proclaimed readaholic!
On the brighter side of this appalling realization, since returning from my honeymoon, I've read three books and started two others (which I have yet to finish and probably won't for awhile since they belonged to someone else and I just picked them up to look at while camping -- hopefully I can get to a library sometime soon to check them out and finish them). Those statistics are starting to sound a little better, right? Phew! Can't wait to get fully back into my readaholic ways. :)
Friday, July 03, 2009
War Crimes
"Accused Nazi guard Demjanjuk deemed fit for trial," the headline proclaimed, grabbing my attention.
I took the bait and clicked the link, wondering what shocking deeds this former Nazi guard had committed. As I read the article, my feelings changed. I realized John Demjanjuk was a Ukrainian accused (a word my eyes skipped over in the headline), not convicted, of "being complicit in the murders of 29,000 Jews." By the time I finished the article, I recalled one of my favourite children's lit. books, "Hope's War" by Marsha Forchuk Skrypuch. That book, which I first read as a sixteen-year-old (one year older than the book's protagonist), made a huge impact on me. Now that I think of it, reading "Hope's War" is probably the reason I eventually decided on a career in journalism. It taught me that there are two sides to every story and each side needs to be given a voice. The book's controversial storyline is not unlike the news story I read this morning. In Demjanjuk's case, I can only hope that all those involved in his trial remember to weigh both sides with equal fairness and justice. Background on "Hope's War."
Monday, June 08, 2009
Espresso Book Machine
When I was a little kid, I dreamed of owning a machine that could provide me with any book I wanted to read. Today, as I browsed through cbc.ca, I read a feature article and discovered that my childhood fantasy has actually been invented! (Note: The article is actually about a million times more interesting than the video clip, but I figured I needed some type of visual in this post.)
The next time I find myself in one of the few public or university libraries that house one of these amazing machines, I'm going to try and print out an on-demand book for myself. For more details see OnDemandBooks.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)