Family Book Club
Family Book Club
As a child, I grew up in the local branch of the Long Beach Public Library. I could walk there and befriended the head librarian. Books allowed me to travel-- to avoid daily home conflicts and the challenge of relating to individuals. I still love holding books and do not get the same rush from a Kindle or a Nook. A possible neurosis creates worry if I complete a book and do not have a new book in which to place my bookmark. Books, libraries and stores that sell books ease anxiety and extinguish a sense of isolation.
Over ten years ago, Elizabeth suggested that the six of us have a family book club. Now our family of 11 has 8 active book club members. Charlie at 7, will soon join his brother and cousin who have provided books for discussion with the six adults who were charter members. Abigail (2) and Ella (5) are watching. We have lined ourselves up alphabetically. Each family member can select a book and a few weeks later, the family discussion precedes Sunday dinner. The book selector also plans the menu. I was relieved when Jack. our 10 year old, passed on squirrel during the discussion of the Hunger Games.
A is for Ada. I started with The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. It is the story of a French journalist who has a serious medical condition and is completely paralyzed. He wrote the book by blinking his left eyelash. It is about the importance of life, good food, good conversations, and family connections. We talked about values, liking the taste of artichokes and sharing stories. I remember the book selection David made called Our Fathers. My son in laws are fathers who are dedicated to their children and the significant roles they play as fathers, husbands and uncles. We have read books about poverty, athletes, mountain climbing, and Alice chasing a rabbit. I remember a book about running a restaurant that ended any idea I had of owning one The book selection has been enhanced as our grandchildren became readers and eager to participate.
Caroline Kennedy wrote about the “character building” events her mother orchestrated. She talked about climbing mountains, learning to swim in too cold water, and camping without plumbing. I wish I had known about character building when my daughters were young. I usually said something about “someday you will be glad this happened or we will learn from this.” How much better to say, this is character building. Children learn from doing chores, having an allowance, filling sand bags, completing homework, and participating in family work and play. I think the family book club experience teaches us all important lessons. We have discussed racism, struggled with hatred, anger and tasks left undone. Right now our book is about a young man who overeats seeking love and inner assurance. The last book, Empire of the Summer Moon was about the Comanches and how they ruled the plains with astonishing horse riding skills.
The books we have shared as a family have indeed been a gift. As I watch our grandchildren eagerly join in the conversation, quietly bringing their own selections to the table, I know about miracles and blessings. I think our family book club builds character, develops communication skills and an appreciation of our diverse and ever changing world. Henry Thoreau said, “The book exists for us which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones.” Do you think the family that reads together, stays together?
As a child, I grew up in the local branch of the Long Beach Public Library. I could walk there and befriended the head librarian. Books allowed me to travel-- to avoid daily home conflicts and the challenge of relating to individuals. I still love holding books and do not get the same rush from a Kindle or a Nook. A possible neurosis creates worry if I complete a book and do not have a new book in which to place my bookmark. Books, libraries and stores that sell books ease anxiety and extinguish a sense of isolation.
Over ten years ago, Elizabeth suggested that the six of us have a family book club. Now our family of 11 has 8 active book club members. Charlie at 7, will soon join his brother and cousin who have provided books for discussion with the six adults who were charter members. Abigail (2) and Ella (5) are watching. We have lined ourselves up alphabetically. Each family member can select a book and a few weeks later, the family discussion precedes Sunday dinner. The book selector also plans the menu. I was relieved when Jack. our 10 year old, passed on squirrel during the discussion of the Hunger Games.
A is for Ada. I started with The Diving Bell and the Butterfly. It is the story of a French journalist who has a serious medical condition and is completely paralyzed. He wrote the book by blinking his left eyelash. It is about the importance of life, good food, good conversations, and family connections. We talked about values, liking the taste of artichokes and sharing stories. I remember the book selection David made called Our Fathers. My son in laws are fathers who are dedicated to their children and the significant roles they play as fathers, husbands and uncles. We have read books about poverty, athletes, mountain climbing, and Alice chasing a rabbit. I remember a book about running a restaurant that ended any idea I had of owning one The book selection has been enhanced as our grandchildren became readers and eager to participate.
Caroline Kennedy wrote about the “character building” events her mother orchestrated. She talked about climbing mountains, learning to swim in too cold water, and camping without plumbing. I wish I had known about character building when my daughters were young. I usually said something about “someday you will be glad this happened or we will learn from this.” How much better to say, this is character building. Children learn from doing chores, having an allowance, filling sand bags, completing homework, and participating in family work and play. I think the family book club experience teaches us all important lessons. We have discussed racism, struggled with hatred, anger and tasks left undone. Right now our book is about a young man who overeats seeking love and inner assurance. The last book, Empire of the Summer Moon was about the Comanches and how they ruled the plains with astonishing horse riding skills.
The books we have shared as a family have indeed been a gift. As I watch our grandchildren eagerly join in the conversation, quietly bringing their own selections to the table, I know about miracles and blessings. I think our family book club builds character, develops communication skills and an appreciation of our diverse and ever changing world. Henry Thoreau said, “The book exists for us which will explain our miracles and reveal new ones.” Do you think the family that reads together, stays together?
Labels: book, character building, family reading
posted by Ada at
1:10 PM
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