For the Love...of Reading.

As a child, when I acted out my punishment was to read one of those "lesson books." I HATED them. They were titled, "Let's talk about _____" (lying, gossiping, not listening, tattling, etc...).
I learned very young that reading was a punishment and not for pleasure. It wasn't until my mid-thirties that I picked up a book to read just for fun. I read different types of books now, mostly fluff books. I choose books that don't cause me anxiety or scare me. I seek books for enjoyment and pleasure, you know, light reading. I have read autobiographies, mostly about celebrities and some about diseases but I always revert to my fun and happy books.


When I became a parent I knew I wanted my kids to read for pleasure and not as a punishment. We bought books for our oldest son as soon as we knew we were expecting. I loved reading to my boys when they were little. My absolute favorite books of all time are the "Llama Llama" books. I still read "Llama llama home with mama" when they're home sick even though they are 15 & 12 years old!
I have tucked all of my favorite children books including a whole collection of Berenstain Bears' books into my "grandma box" in anticipation of grand babies. 


Both my boys have to read for school assignments and have enjoyed the books and series, (Harry Potter, Lemony Snicket a Series of Unfortunate Events, Percy Jackson) they've read. We read books together as a family from time to time and enjoy the time we get to sit and listen to each other read.

 Reading is such an important part of life and I am thankful for my ability to read and enjoy it. I hope my boys learn to love reading for pleasure. There's nothing better than sitting down with a good book and getting swept away in it.
JOYsister Salena

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