love of books...
The love of learning,the sequestered nooks,
and all the sweet serenity of books.
-Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
It is funny that my sister, Elizabeth, made reference to being a reader because of the mother she has when I attribute so much of my love for reading and learning to my dad! I remember being so impressed that he had read Mormon Doctorine by Bruce R. McConkie from cover to cover. He always gave him self books to open for Christmas and birthdays. I can still picture my dad in every house we lived in, reading a book. And every house had bookshelves full of books! I think of my dad when I read this quote by Anna Quindlen:
I would be most content if my children grew up to be the kind of people who think decorating consists mostly of building enough bookshelves.
Reading was so much a part of my growing up.
I loved reading too, until about 4th or 5th grade. It was at this time I realized that the kids at school were not really complimenting me on my great reading skills (I would go to an older classroom for math and reading) but were making fun of me! And my brother, Ben, who is 14 months younger than me, was reading books harder than me and reading them faster than me. Because my dad always had a book, he seemed to read fast too. (It wasn't until much later in life that I learned my dad isn't a fast reader, just a constant reader!) So, I gave up reading. (You can weep if you want, it really is sad!) I think I still loved books. I just didn't love reading because I didn't think I was a good reader. It sounds stupid, I know! Especially since I was in accelerated English my whole school career, except when I got kicked out for 11th grade English because I didn't read any of the books the year before! But then I got put back in because I was "too smart to be with regular students" (thanks Mrs. Beachem).
What brought me back to reading? Children's Lit at BYU! I had a teacher who LOVED reading and she never had enough time to talk about all the books she loved. Well, by the end of the semester, I loved reading too! And I had a lot of catching up to do!
It is hard for me to find time to read right now. I carry a book with me everywhere I go in hopes of sneaking in a few pages but little kids demand a lot and I just don't get to read as much as I'd like! My mom was always busy with kids too and maybe that is why I don't think of her first when I think of people who taught me to love reading. But she is a reader and a learner and I love to talk with her about books! I am SO grateful (and lucky!) to have had BOTH parents value reading, learning, and education. I am so grateful that I learned to read because it has made a difference in the quality of my life. I am also grateful to the teachers who reminded me how wonderful reading can be and to my friends who keep me reading when life says I'm too busy for such luxury! I have assembled many more bookshelves as an adult, so, dad, I hope you feel content!
When was the last time you picked up a book? Today would be a good time to start!
This nice and subtle happiness of reading,
this joy not chilled by age,
this polite and unpunished vice,
this selfish, serene, life-long intoxication.
Logan Pearsall Smith
posted by jenn | 3/02/2006
6 Comments:
Intoxication is right. I was wondering when you were going to compose your reading post. It was worth the wait. It does make me wonder (again) why you keep calling yourself the imposter reader--I was never in accelerated English. Perhaps you don't give yourself the credit you deserve. You're a very insightful reader and have a talent for pulling out great tidbits and ideas from books, and have the ability to voice them well (something I lack). You're also being a great example of reading to your kids, and that counts for a lot even if it means neglecting them the day of book club so you can finish the book!
I actually never considered myself a "reader" either. Sure, I love books. I love the stories and the characters, but when I have a free minute I don't pick up a book first. As sister-in-law pointed out to be just a short while ago, "Angela, you are a reader, don't be stupid! Readers don't always have time to read, or read what they want to read. The way you think, the way you talk, and the things you enjoy... you're a reader so shut up!" Ok, I'll take her word for it. When I am finished with college and all my obligatory readings maybe my true nature will shine, and I will be the reader that all Sauter daughters seem to be.
Very interesting and beautiful expose, Jennifer. I always wondered why you didn't read more. You're right, I didn't read (fiction) books at all while I was rearing kids, but I was always reading other things. The first fiction I read in years was when we were holed up in the Smiley Motel (Accidental Tourist and Christy). Reading to me is as necessary as air and water. Forget the shoes and handbags; point me to the nearest bookstore!
Great quote by Anna Quindlen. Books are definitely one of my major household accessories. You know, there is a time and a season for everything. Right now may not be your time to read as voarciously as you might like, but the time will come when you will have the leisure to read in abed all day if you wish. Then, you are so busy creating works of beauty and joy by exercising your reativity, that nobody would think you lacking. Also, I want you to know that it is your comments about Patty Jane's House of Curl that have stuck with me the past few days. They've inspired me to do something celebrating all of the good things in life. Maybe I'll blog about it. Maybe I'll do a mini album. Maybe I'll do both. Anyway, the point is a reader is not a reader because of the amount of reading she does. She is a reader because she reads deeply and finds meaning in the things she reads. And that, my Jenn, is you!
It's funny to me how we both found a love of books but attribute it to different parents. I think we're extremely lucky to have had two parents who both love to read. I love your bookshelves in your living room. Most of my books end up in my bedroom or scattered around my house. I'm glad you rediscovered how wonderful reading can be.
Love it love it love it! There never do seem to be enough bookshelves... You are and will forever be a reader, don't try to tell us you're an imposter. I almost did weep about your story from your school days! You seem to get more out of books than I do, so I think quality is better than quantity (although quantity is great, too). I love that your mom said reading is important as air and water. Yes! I also love that Amy called you her Jenn. Will you be my Jenn too?
Post a Comment
<< Home