I am a voracious reader. For as long as I can remember, books have been my escape and my most reliable friend. My husband always jokes that we’re in trouble if our house ever catches on fire because of all the books we have packed in boxes and sitting on shelves.
I think as moms we all agree that reading is a really important part of our children’s growth and development. But I have a lot of mom friends who tell me that they don’t really love to read, but think it’s important for their kids to see them reading. So I always go on a mission to find them books that will transport them. I think the key to loving reading is to just find the right thing – for you – to read.
To them, I say, books have changed my life. Not just for the knowledge I’ve gained or the time I’ve spent just plain enjoying a good book, but it’s so much more than that. If you’re struggling to find something to read (or just always on the lookout for a good book recommendation!) here’s what books have done for me and my life:
- taken me to a world that I could have never imagined
- made me so invested in the characters that I sobbed when someone died
- caused me to question how I treat my family and how I love and show appreciation for all of the good things in my life
- stunned me into silence with the story of someone else’s bravery
- given me hope that I might be good enough to follow my dreams
- allowed me to travel back in time
- made me think long and hard about how I related to people who are different than me… and those who are living right under my nose and might need some kindness and compassion
- just plain entertained me
And these are just some of my favorite books. I couldn’t even being to count the number of books I’ve read in my life and I know that each of them have left a mark, no matter how small, on my personality. I’ve carried the countless characters with me, thought about them frequently, and felt as if they were old friends.
My kids love to read and for that I’m so very grateful. I love to watch them read, as their little faces become enraptured with what is going on on those pages. I’m so happy they have a love of books, as there is nothing more I want as a parent than for them to be changed, or transported, or challenged, or just plain wrapped up.
So if you’d like to read more, check out some of my suggestions above. Also, I know how we’re all busy as moms and might not have time to sit down to read. For that, I highly recommend audio books! You can listen while you drive, fold laundry, work out, almost any time!
And I would really, really love some new book recommendations! What’s the best think you’ve read lately?
– Farmer Boy (Little House): Laura Ingalls. This children’s book is full of experiences from the past and I learnt so much about simple living through this book from 1933. It is so detailed compare to many books from the 21st century. A great book for children and adult alike.
– Last child in the Woods/Saving our children from Nature-Deficit Disorder: Richard Louv. One of my favorite books since many years, as the natural World is sadlyno more natural for our children in many places in developed countries.
Michaela – Those are great suggestions! I loved the Little House books when I was a kid, I feel like I learned a lot, but also fell in love with the characters.