spring_greetings photo springgreetings.gif

Monday, April 15, 2013

A Reading Tale by Kathy Carlton Willis

APRIL – Library Snapshot Month 

we love books banner photo welovebooks_zpsaa837100.jpg
 A Reading Tale 
By Kathy Carlton Willis 

I’ve always been a lover of books—the opportunity to visit a new world, a new time, a new way of life. What’s your rite-of-passage reading story? I’ll start with mine.

mommy penguine reading photo penguinereading_zpsafb9dcb8.jpgAs soon as I started school, Mother encouraged me to learn to read. She was a voracious reader, eager for me to develop the same love of books. This Chatty Kathy enjoyed every form of communications since my first spoken word. The written word was no different—I took to it like gravy goes with biscuits. Remember those Weekly Reader magazines (oh, the delicious smell of the ink and paper!)? The SRA Reading Lab inspired me to read not just for speed, but for retention.

at library photo _at_the_library_zpsea2d2001.pngWhen I received my first public library card around age 6, Mom walked us to the library several times a month. Yes, it seemed like it was two miles uphill both ways, but it was worth it! Our little town of four thousand was blessed with a Carnegie library (built in 1905) full of well-loved books. Mom taught me how to follow my favorite authors—I read all their titles. I knew how to thumb through a card catalog and recite the Dewey decimal system. By the time I outgrew the children’s section, I had read every book and graduated to the “grown-up” shelves.

Most avid readers say their idea of a time-out from stress and life involves curling up with a good book—claw-foot tub or blazing fireplace optional.

ladybug reading photo ladybugreadingabook_zps065a068e.gif My favorite reading tip is this: Don’t waste time on a mediocre book. When reading for recreation, remember that you aren’t in school anymore. You aren’t being graded for reading every word. So if a book doesn’t appeal to you, put it down! Grab a different one. We have only so much time in life—definitely not enough time to get bogged down with a boring book or confusing storyline.

Just because a book earned rave reviews doesn’t mean it’s the right book for you, any more than gorgeous size 7 shoes will fit size 10 feet!

Think about your own reading tale. What was it like when you learned to read? When did you discover your local library? Do you recall the favorite authors of your early years? Who inspired you to read more? What challenges you today in your reading? We all have a story—even a reading story!


author Kathy C-Willis photo KathyCarltonWillis_zps8fb2000a.jpgKathy Carlton Willis gets jazzed speaking for women’s events and writers conferences across the country. She’s known for her practical and often humorous messages. Kathy enjoys fiddling with words as a writer and also coaches others. When not reading or writing books, she serves as a happy pastor’s wife. Web: http://www.kathycarltonwillis.com


This article content is provided free of charge by the author through Kathy Carlton Willis Communications.





books

1 comment:

Kathy Carlton Willis Communications said...

Thanks so much for posting my reading tale to your site. I love interacting with other readers. There's just something AMAZING about the written word. I know you love books as much as I do! Shine on, my friend!