I love books. As a child, my secret goal was to read every book in the youth and children’s section of the local library. I’m sure I never even came close to that goal (due in part to the fact that libraries keep adding new books all the time!) but it was not for lack of giving it a significant effort.
So, it is probably not a surprise that one of my favorite Christmas traditions is giving each kid a book to read aloud as a family. It has been so great to re-read books that I loved as a child, such as the Little House books by Laura Ingalls, as well as discovering great new books.
Some of my favorite quotes about reading come from C.S. Lewis, who says:
It is a good rule after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between. No book is really worth reading at age of ten which is not equally (and often far more) worth reading at the age of fifty–except, of course, books of information. The only imaginative works we ought to grow out of are those which it would have been better not to have read at all. …a children’s story which is only enjoyed by children is a bad children’s story.
Even though I am not to 50 yet, one of the great joys of having school-age children is rereading “children’s books.” They are treasures of history, imagination and adventure. It is often interesting to read them through an adult or parent lens.
As I child I didn’t realize that when Laura Ingalls wrote about being hungry during an extended blizzard in The Long Winter that they weren’t just hungry. When I was young – and living in Texas – being shut inside during a blizzard sounded a little like a great adventure. But, when I reread it as an adult, I came to the shocking realization that they were literally starving to death. In addition, to read about the amount of work Ma Ingalls had to do in order to feed the family takes on a far different meaning now that I am preparing three meals a day for a similar size family.
We just finished reading Anne of Green Gables by L.M. Montgomery. I had forgotten how much I loved the story. But, it is funny to read some of the sections from the perspective of an adult…and a pastor’s wife. Here are my favorite quotes after absorbing myself in the world of Anne of Green Gables:
…isn’t it nice to think that to-morrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet? (Chapter 21) I don’t know what lies around the bend, but I’m going to believe that the best does. It has a fascination of its own, that bend, Marilla. I wonder how the road beyond it goes – what there is of green glory and soft, checkered light and shadows – what new landscapes – what new beauties—what curves and hills and valleys further on. (Chapter 38) And besides, we met the new minister and his wife….His wife is very pretty. Not exactly regally lovely, of course – it wouldn’t do, because it might set a bad example. Mrs. Lynde says the minister’s wife over at Newbridge sets a very bad example because she dresses so fashionably. (Chapter 21) Mrs. Lynde says that sound doctrine in the man and good housekeeping in the woman make an ideal combination for a minster’s family. (Chapter 21) It’s always wrong to do anything you can’t tell the minister’s wife. It’s as good as an extra conscience to have a minister’s wife for your friend. (Chapter 24)
As a young girl, I am sure those statements about the minister’s wife didn’t even make me pause but now they make me laugh – a little from acknowledgement of the truth that people often have certain expectations of the minister’s wife and thankfulness that most of those stereotypes are gone.
Now that winter has finally arrived, perhaps you can find your favorite “old” book and take some time this winter to enjoy it afresh.
I also would love to know your favorite “old” book.
All is well,
Lisa