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.
As 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.
When 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.
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!
Kathy
Carlton Willis Bio:
Kathy
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.
This
article content is provided free of charge by the author through
Kathy
Carlton Willis Communications.
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