Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Take Time to Read

I did not read a lot as a child. "Why not" I sometimes wonder, because reading is now one of my favorite personal interests - it has been for many years. Of course, I can list a few tangible reasons for my lack of books read as a youth; it's the intangible reasons that are difficult to be certain of, because even though books were available, I did not crave the story, the fantasy, or the bio of another life. Perhaps there were just too many distractions in my own life.

BUT NOW, distractions and all, I get my reading time! I need it. Before I go to sleep at night, I have to read. If I am sitting in an office waiting for an appointment, I have to read. If I sit in the car while my children have after school activities, I have to read. After church, I have to scan the book section in the Sunday newspaper and read a few articles in the Parade Magazine insert. I have to read my book club's selection, so that I can socialize with "the girls" and talk about the book. I have to read on a rare Sunday afternoon when I can curl up in bed in the middle of the day. I have to read while sitting on my screened-in porch on a warm summer day. I have to read to my kids. And so on, and so on...

Currently, my book club is reading One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I am only on page 38, but the story has my attention.

The book we just finished reading is Heart in the Right Place by Carolyn Jourdan. It is a memoir about a time in her life when she transitioned from being a Washington lawyer to a Tennessee mountains receptionist in her father's medical practice. She spoke of many real people and situations common to the country doctor, a position that is almost extinct. The book was heartwarming and funny. We had the pleasure of speaking with the author via speakerphone and she was a spark to our discussion.

I also just finished reading The Shack by Wm. Paul Young. It was a hard read for me, but I gather that it has touched many people's lives.

Other books that I am currently reading are:
- On Writing by Stephen King
- The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
- Matthew (in the Bible)
- Little Women by Louisa May Alcott (aloud to my kids)

What are YOU reading?

10 comments:

Lisa said...

I'm reading One Month To Live by Kerri & Chris Shook. It's about finding new urgency, fresh purpose, and a sharper focus for your life. It's really challenging me to be who God created me to be -fully alive and living without regrets.

Anita said...

Good description of the book Lisa. You'll have to tell me more when we see each other. Thanks for commenting!

JennyD said...

Right now I am reading your blog and later I will be reading about those crazy Buendias. What an unusual group.

Love your blog , Thanks for the link.

Felecia said...

Read...who has time to read. Oh,that's right, you are in the Beyond the Diapers stage. You know, that's not me. I am hot and heavy in diapers, but there is hope.1-2 more years and I am graduating. Hey, I may NOT be qualified to respond in your blog...but, I will take my changes - lol. Well, first and foremost, I daily read my Biblea at the moment I am in the Book of Romans. When I am finished my daily Bible reading, and I am not reading children's stories to my baby, if time alots, I enjoy reading magazines, specifically Adoptive Families Magazine. I love reading true stories that bring tears to my eyes; it's a great release, and I can always count on that subscription to give me that. There are many books in my library that I have yet to get to...I will though, when I am beyond diapers and spills!

Ava said...

Anita,
Hey, I am so impressed with your computer skills. I think I am the only one in America without a facebook, myspace, etc... This is also my first time to ever blog. Wow! I have not had time to read lately. Two teenagers will do that to you. I do have a book to start. The Tea Rose by Jennifer Donnelly. It is suppose to be awesome. I have had several people recommend it. I plan on reading The Shack. The people I know that have read it either loved it, or hated it. I will have to read for myself to find out.
I am glad it is Friday. It is almost wine time. Enjoy your weekend.
Ava

Anita said...

JENNY - I'm struggling with the crazy Buendias, but I'm determined!

FELECIA - Enjoy the baby; I know you do. I've learned something...that there is a magazine for adoptive families. When I see the stories on TV, they are emotional and happy.

AVA - You crack me up as usual! And, I'll have to Google The Tea Rose.

Thanks "Girls" for Commenting. Enjoyed them!

Unknown said...

Hello Anita,
I am so glad to see and read what you're doing. I think this is a necessary and important subject matter to exchang and share info with mothers. Keep up the good work!!
Your Cousin
Barbara

Anita said...

Thanks for the boost (cousin)Barbara S. xoxo

Ann said...

Anita, good for you. I love your writing. I, too, was a former stay- at-home mom. I'm so thankful I had the opportunity to share lots of time with my children so I could be the one who mainly impacted them in the thousands of moments in a day. Important work--it'll pass faster than you think. I'm now back to work and loving that too.
I'm reading Holy Cow. It's about an Australian woman who went on a spiritual journey in India.
Keep blogging and sharing your good work.

Anita said...

ANN,I really appreciate your compliments,and you sharing your past stay-at-homemom experience with me and others...the book you're reading, Holy Cow; the first thing that came to my mind was Eat, Pray, Love. I read that one with my book club. I wonder if the authors had similar experiences in India. xoxo