Tuesday, December 6, 2016

Reading Love Two Ways



       I'm slicing with the Two Writing Teachers community today. It's always a pleasure to read what everyone writes about their lives.
         




Among other books, I am currently reading The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend by Katarina Bivald. 

She writes: "Books are fantastic and probably come into their own in a cabin in the woods {referring to Thoreau's Walden}, but how fun is it to read a fantastic book if you can't tell others about it, talk about it, and quote from it constantly?" This started my thought path back to the classroom, thinking about how many times this "talking about it" happened. Sometimes it was spontaneous when a group would gather at a "best books" shelf because someone asked for some recommendations (not only my 'best' books but class members, too). Often it was a group meeting when emotions were high from a particularly hard passage, or high from total disagreement about a scene or a character. Nearly everyone read a book a week unless it was extra long, and on Friday afternoons we sat reflecting about the week, and sharing what  we were reading. We talked about other books by the same author. We spoke of times we wanted to throw the book across the room, or the times we needed to take a break because we could see that a terrible thing was coming. The conversation was often rich, often silly, and I'm glad we did it. 
         However, there was also that time when we read, then read some more, alone.That too seemed good. We relaxed after a vigorous work morning, had lunch and afterward we read. Students sat on the carpet, leaned against walls, stayed at their desks, lay on the floor. Sometimes I thought I could tell when a tense moment had arrived. The reader moved, perhaps sat up, turned over, went to get a drink. But they read, and I could see it was love happening. 
         I do like Bivalds's quote, and there are times when I read I would love to share a page, a few words, so I am sharing today with this community. I just had to share this quote!


photo credit: DesEquiLIBROS lectura reading via photopin (license)

26 comments:

  1. I am grateful when I hear the talk and see the solitary attributes of reading. Both are essential parts of being a reader. Love your reflection.

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    1. Thanks, Julieanne, glad you see and enjoy both!

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  2. Love this, Linda. Books are meant to be shared. The excitement of quoting lines and having others ask where they come from. The joy of introducing others to books we love. Students telling other students that they would enjoy a particular book. The list goes on.

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    1. Yes, there are many kinds of sharing, and all great to see and be a part of. Thanks, Bob.

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  3. LOVE this quote. Books are meant to be shared and that is why I try to pass them on...even if it is very hard....and I never see or hear them again....

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    1. I had many books "disappear" from the classroom through the years, and always thought they were in good hands, making someone happy. You're right, Anita!

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  4. I love when the sharing happens spontaneously. The unexpected book conversations in the hallway are my favorites. I appreciate Goodreads too with all the comments from diverse readers.

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    1. Yes, so much happens in a flash. Thanks for reminding me, Terje. And I can get so caught up in Goodreads, reading what others are saying about a book. Thanks!

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  5. What a gift for your students to have the time to talk about their books with one another. So many teachers forget that reading comes alive when you get to talk about books.

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    1. With all the expectations made for teachers lately, I do understand that they might think there's no time for casual conversation. I imagine It's a challenge. Thanks, Elsie.

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  6. Oh, the many moods of reading!

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    1. I know. And sometimes I just want to spend the time reading all by myself, no interruptions! Choice is a gift I suppose. Thanks, Jennifer.

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  7. Hi Linda, I always love your reflections about reading and its value in our lives. I love to read a great book and share it with others, even if it's just a line or a favorite part. Somehow it makes the story more meaningful and keeps those characters with me just a little bit longer.

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    1. Thanks, Melanie. I love what you said in that last part, helps the book to stay with us a little longer.

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  8. Sharing books is lovely, but I treasure the private moments of reading illumination best - I feel connected to the writer and to something larger in those moments...a private filling of the soul, I guess.

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    1. I think that's why experiencing both is a good thing, at least for students. It helps them choose what they enjoy more too. Thanks, Tara. I love the long times of reading by myself, too.

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  9. Such an important reminder how important talk is for learning. Just a lovely thought.

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    1. Thanks, Mandy, yes talk means sharing ideas that one might never have thought of.

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  10. I often call these "shhhh in the movie theatre moments." Those times in books when you need to tell someone - like in the movies when you need to say something and you get shhhhh from those around you. You just can't contain yourself -- then you know you are engaged. Love the quote you shared -- we will you use it widely!
    Clare

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    1. Terrific comparison, Clare. I am one of those who somehow wants to be sure my companions have "seen" or "heard" something in a movie. Caught me! But it's true, and very hard to be quiet.

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  11. I think I need a best books shelf in my library of student recommendations.

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    1. Oh, that would be wonderful, like "staff picks" at a bookstore. I just visited Tattered Cover today, and always read the staff recommendations, sometimes find books I never otherwise would have found. Thanks, Jone, hope you do it and share!

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  12. I recently read that book...so different from what I was thinking from the title! It's great to get a chance to share something in the moment as you read and it's great to share when you reflect after you've finished a book.

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    1. Yes, I agree, the book is a bit different from other "bookstore" books, but quite charming I think. Both sharing is good I think. Thanks, Diane.

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  13. Love this post! Your writing has captured such wonderful moments in the life of readers!

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