Thursday, March 15, 2007

a mini "a-ha" moment

I have long been bemoaning the fact that I just can't seem to finish the book I'm reading. For one thing, it's simply a behemoth. But much more importantly, because I spend sooooo much time reading things for homeschooling purposes that I don't have time for my own recreational reading. I'm constantly having to read non-fiction sources to learn more about the things we're covering for school. In the last several months, I've read about everything from tectonic plates to the lost colony of Roanoke to diseases of the skeletal system. Don't get me wrong, I do enjoy a lot of this reading...but it's not quite the same as losing oneself in a good novel.

Last night was "Let Them Shine Night" at Gray's school. They also have a book fair. And of course, we let the kids each pick out two books for themselves (because Rich and I are such big suckers for books ourselves). While looking around, Annie came across The Wright 3 by Blue Balliett. She immediately brought it over to me, because she knew how badly I wanted to read it. And that's when it hit me. Homeschooling Annie has dictated much of my reading as of late, but that really isn't all that bad a thing. We've read and discussed (sort of our own mini book club, I suppose) several children's lit books as part of her schooling. Books I never would have read otherwise. And yet, several of them, I have absolutely adored! Like Esperanza Rising by Pam Munoz Ryan and Holes by Louis Sachar and Kira-Kira by Cynthia Kadohata (which we're currently reading) and Chasing Vermeer by Blue Balliett. I'd been so wrapped up in thinking that they didn't count because they were "kids' books". How dumb is that?!! I totally, completely, undeniably enjoyed them. And that's what really matters, right? So, I guess I've done a bit more "reading" lately than I've given myself credit for.

And yes, I definitely bought The Wright 3 for myself. I may even let Annie read it when I'm done.

2 comments:

Stacy at Exceedingly Mundane said...

You do do a lot of reading, don't sell yourself short. Anyone who homeschools has to. And I totally admire that, you should be commended for taking such an active interest in your children's education and learning. I think it's great!

Oh, and I've been wanting to read something about the lost colony of Roanoke, you need to give me a short history lesson, LOL!

So glad you all have a love of reading. It's a wonderful thing, a great gift to give your children :)

~*Kelli BoBelli*~ said...

You really need some chick lit. Have you read the Shopaholic series? It's cute!

Oh, for a GREAT children's/teen book, read "Walk Two Moons". I used to teach 5th/6th grade...you will LOVE it!