Have a Torrid Love Affair With Reading

Recently, several teachers were talking about reading and how many of our children lose their love of reading. Sadly, it is true. We also know that teachers, constricted by time and mandates, see reading as less of a  priority for their students and for themselves.

As teachers, we often spend our free time thinking of ways to improve at work, or just trying to catch up with our ever expanding workload. In addition, we have our own personal and family obligations at night and on weekends. Reading a book for pleasure can make the busiest teachers feel guilty, as if their time could be better spent elsewhere. Why do we feel guilty? We should be reading role models for the children in our lives. It is not enough to tell children that they should read when we don’t read ourselves. That only creates a “do as I say, not as I do” scenario.

We want our students to read. Reading is a skill, and like other skills, requires practice. The more you read, the better you read. Would you send a child for tennis lessons with someone who doesn’t play tennis? How about taking cooking classes from someone who doesn’t cook, or even worse, hates to cook? Who better to share the love of reading than someone who reads?

We like to read. We want to read. Consider this your permission (and urging) to read for pleasure. A lot. Go ahead, have a hot, passionate affair with a really good book. We aren’t talking about fifty shades of anything here, but we are talking about love and passion.

When we read a book that inspires or touches us, we turn around and share it with another person. What better gift could you give the next generation than passionately and exuberantly telling them about a fantastic book that made you view the world differently? Your honest, genuine enthusiasm will show children and adolescents that reading happens outside of the school walls and in a most enjoyable manner. You are walking the walk and talking the talk and kids will notice.

Are you ready for a little reading inspiration? We suggest the following two fiction books, both about booksellers and the joys of reading, to remind you of the value in taking time to read a book. They are beautifully written, and will inspire you to highlight passages about the power of the written word. We loved these characters and their stories.  We found ourselves invested, eagerly turning the pages to find out what would happen next. We promise you will remember these books and the lessons you learn about the magic of reading long after you have finished the last page. We think they will rekindle your love of reading, and in turn, inspire you to inspire others to open a book.

1. The Storied Life of A.J. Fickery by Gabrielle Zevin (2014) is the tale of a lonely bookseller whose rare collection of Poe poems is stolen. His life is lonely and his bookstore is failing when then receives a surprise package that transforms his bookstore and his life.  A cast of delightfully quirky characters helps A.J. to see what it means to be a family, to be part of a community and to understand how books can transform us.

This funny, sweet, heartwarming story will make you fall in love not only with the characters, but fall in love with reading all over again. Here is one of our favorite passages: “We read to know we’re not alone. We read because we are alone. We read and we are not alone. We are not alone.”

2.The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George (2015) is the story of Monsieur Perdu, a literary apothecary, who prescribes books for others’ ailments much like a doctor would prescribe medicine.  The story takes place on his floating bookstore barge on the Seine. He can “heal” others through books but struggles to heal himself from a lost love, until a new mission takes him on an unforgettable journey. 

There is reading truth in this book as well.  We loved the beautiful writing:  “Some novels are loving, lifelong companions; some give you a clip around the ear; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you’ve got those autumn blues.  And some…well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for three seconds and leaves a blissful void.  Like a short, torrid love affair.”

Isn’t it time for you to have a torrid love affair with reading?  Go ahead, feel the passion. These two books are guaranteed to rekindle your love of reading.

What other books would you recommend to remind others of their love of reading? Now that we have renewed passion for our own reading, we would love to hear your comments and book suggestions!

Happy Reading,