Friday DO: Read Age Inappropriate Literature
Friday, October 24, 2014 |
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I have discussed the importance of reading on the blog before, and how much I enjoy doing it. It's like a free escape for the mind. A journey through another world. Many times, we read to expand our mind, or try to delve into complicated subjects, thus innocently ignoring simpler words. Have you ever been enthralled by a book only to realize you are, ahem, quite a bit older than the target audience? Don't lie, you still think Charlotte's Web is a classic and want to reread Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban for the 8th time. In fact, there are a lot of great children's books out there that should not be forgotten because we have become stuffy important adults. So instead of running from children's literature, I have decided to embrace quality stories if I feel the need.
A few weeks ago I learned there was a fourth (and final) sequel to The Giver. I loved Lois Lowry as a kid and would have willingly read Son at age 12, had it been around at age 12. At 27, I was still curious about the conclusion. Before I knew it, I had reserved the book from the library and it was in my hands when I stopped and asked if I should be embarrassed to read a book that was, in fact, intended for kids. Was anyone looking at me weird? Should I hide it? I came up with excuses. After all, The Giver was published when I was a very little girl... I couldn't have read the whole series as a child if I wanted to (which I did).* So, screw it, I brought it home, read it pretty quickly, and have absolutely no regrets because now I know, and I knew that I had to know. And no, I am not embarrassed in the slightest. One should never be ashamed to love a good story, for imagination feeds us and stimulates us to be happier, healthier human beings.
This Friday, find something for kids, and enjoy the simplicity of the writing. Linger over the words, reminisce over an old story, or simply enjoy an artist's illustrations. After all, the great C.S. Lewis once said "A children's story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children's story in the slightest." I couldn't agree with this quote more.
*Also, I was too cheap to pay the $1 fee for not picking up a reserved book
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