“Books were my ticket out of a necessarily narrow life.” Yes, yes, and more yes! I remember the moment I realized I had become an independent reader. Second grade. I used to take my library book into the kitchen and read while my mother made dinner, so she could help me if I got stuck on a word. That day I read a whole chapter without her help. Then, as the story goes, I disappeared into my room, never to appear again. It is sort of true. And people who know me might say it still is. I am happiest and most relaxed when I’m following a writer down that winding path, not knowing what surprises await around the bend. At 76, I sometimes think I should learn to play cards or scrabble or become a master gardener, but there’s always the next book waiting—and so it goes.
That is such a tender scene.....sitting at the kitchen table reading your book. You got an early start and the support of your mother. I love how you describe yourself as "happiest and most relaxed" when reading. It's like having a friend right there, isn't it?
I agree. Novels expand our imaginations and our range of thought. I've been on a Loise Erdrich run for the last year or so. So interesting to hear the words of a Native American who is a brilliant writer. What's next, any ideas are welcome.
Have you read Elizabeth Strout's latest book, "Lucy By the Sea?" I thought it was exquisite. The last Erdrich I read was "LaRose." There are quite a few that are still waiting for me!
I may have been a born reader - books have always been my friend - both fiction and non fiction. I remember the weekly walk to the library to report to the librarian, Ms Knox, the books I had read.
Susie, Your reminding me that besides DICK and JANE, my introduction to reading was SRA. This was a reading lab in a big box. Not sure if it started in second or third grade. We would pick a cardboard pamphlet containing a story. We were taught to read the title and first line then skim the story and read the last paragraph. Then take the enclosed test! Introducing us reading as a competition, a skill to achieve. Not a pleasure! Something to make you smarter! It took me many years to enjoy reading!
Sorry, but I had to counter the “sadness” of Tara’s experience with SRA, which I also remember zooming through to the purple level enthusiastically in 3rd grade. But I was an avid reader, and I can sympathize with those who struggled from the get go. I think SRA stands for Scholastic Reading Achievement?
Thanks for responding and for sending info about SRA. I was particularly curious because in my early twenties, right out of college, I had a job basically selling a reading system in the NYC schools. I would take it to classrooms and demonstrate how it was used. Could have been SRA!
Oh I wonder! It was neat to get the back story on that memorable system. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it was the reason I fell in love with reading, as the author did, nor was I particularly competitive. In fact one of the things I enjoyed was how I could go at my own pace, and no one else had to know if I was a purple or a green or an orange. I am afraid that some teachers can ruin any great tool, but I was lucky in 3rd grade. Best teacher ever.
Tara, I sympathize with your experience, although not with reading! Other subjects in school, such as science, did not appear accessible to me and so I emerged from high school virtually scientifically illiterate, and am only just now starting to put together the basic building blocks, as a near 50 year old adult. Thank goodness for self-education. I am glad that you finally found the joy in reading.
It’s very encouraging to hear from you.
Thank you, Susie, for saying what needs to be said.
I hear it as a very loud chorus.
I hope so!
“Books were my ticket out of a necessarily narrow life.” Yes, yes, and more yes! I remember the moment I realized I had become an independent reader. Second grade. I used to take my library book into the kitchen and read while my mother made dinner, so she could help me if I got stuck on a word. That day I read a whole chapter without her help. Then, as the story goes, I disappeared into my room, never to appear again. It is sort of true. And people who know me might say it still is. I am happiest and most relaxed when I’m following a writer down that winding path, not knowing what surprises await around the bend. At 76, I sometimes think I should learn to play cards or scrabble or become a master gardener, but there’s always the next book waiting—and so it goes.
That is such a tender scene.....sitting at the kitchen table reading your book. You got an early start and the support of your mother. I love how you describe yourself as "happiest and most relaxed" when reading. It's like having a friend right there, isn't it?
I agree. Novels expand our imaginations and our range of thought. I've been on a Loise Erdrich run for the last year or so. So interesting to hear the words of a Native American who is a brilliant writer. What's next, any ideas are welcome.
Fran Kollman
Have you read Elizabeth Strout's latest book, "Lucy By the Sea?" I thought it was exquisite. The last Erdrich I read was "LaRose." There are quite a few that are still waiting for me!
Never heard of her, thanks for the tip!
Oh, you must read Strout's book "Olive Kitteridge." It's a masterpiece.
It is having a friend right there next to me: still mourning Toni Morrison and, most recently, Russell Banks.
I feel the generosity of great writers after they've died...leaving behind such treasures.
I may have been a born reader - books have always been my friend - both fiction and non fiction. I remember the weekly walk to the library to report to the librarian, Ms Knox, the books I had read.
I had a close relationship with the local library.....all oak and leather. It was in a dicey neighborhood and was really an oasis.
Thank you, I will.
Susie, Your reminding me that besides DICK and JANE, my introduction to reading was SRA. This was a reading lab in a big box. Not sure if it started in second or third grade. We would pick a cardboard pamphlet containing a story. We were taught to read the title and first line then skim the story and read the last paragraph. Then take the enclosed test! Introducing us reading as a competition, a skill to achieve. Not a pleasure! Something to make you smarter! It took me many years to enjoy reading!
This is such a sad story. It's the same way we were taught to play musical instruments. No joy. Can you tell me what SRA stands for?
Sorry, but I had to counter the “sadness” of Tara’s experience with SRA, which I also remember zooming through to the purple level enthusiastically in 3rd grade. But I was an avid reader, and I can sympathize with those who struggled from the get go. I think SRA stands for Scholastic Reading Achievement?
https://bookriot.com/a-box-of-nostalgia-the-sra-reading-laboratory/amp/
Thanks for responding and for sending info about SRA. I was particularly curious because in my early twenties, right out of college, I had a job basically selling a reading system in the NYC schools. I would take it to classrooms and demonstrate how it was used. Could have been SRA!
Oh I wonder! It was neat to get the back story on that memorable system. I wouldn’t go so far as to say that it was the reason I fell in love with reading, as the author did, nor was I particularly competitive. In fact one of the things I enjoyed was how I could go at my own pace, and no one else had to know if I was a purple or a green or an orange. I am afraid that some teachers can ruin any great tool, but I was lucky in 3rd grade. Best teacher ever.
Tara, I sympathize with your experience, although not with reading! Other subjects in school, such as science, did not appear accessible to me and so I emerged from high school virtually scientifically illiterate, and am only just now starting to put together the basic building blocks, as a near 50 year old adult. Thank goodness for self-education. I am glad that you finally found the joy in reading.
This is so moving and powerful. Thank you for putting words together the way that you do.