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 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.
