Archive: Opinions

I grew up in a household that did not have many books.  Reading was not discouraged in our home, and my parents always asked my brothers and me about the books we were reading at school.   Mom read her romance novels, usually borrowed from one of the women in the neighborhood, but I cannot recall a time when I ever say my dad reading a book.  

My love for reading began in high school, continued into college and really blossomed in graduate school.  If I were out on a walk and came across a used bookstore, I could easily find two or three books that I knew I had to read.  I would walk back home and read one of them from cover to cover, sometimes setting aside assignments and papers that I ought to have been working on.   It was a welcome diversion and gave me a deeper appreciation for the written word.

Perhaps that is why I continue to enjoy reading.  My family and I are avid readers.  We spend more time reading than the average family since we do not have television in our home.    The majority of our reading is done at night usually in bed.    It is not uncommon for my wife or me to break the silence in our home and read a line or two out loud from the book we happen to be reading.  

Our strange habit of reading out loud is a way to let the other person know what he or she is missing.  We know, from our preferences in reading, that neither of us will ever read what the other has in front of them. I tend to read history, biography, and theology.  My wife loves fiction, mystery, and on occasion, new releases. 

We engage in this activity because we find the subject we are reading to be quite fascinating.  We want to share with our spouse the sheer brilliance of the author.  It might be an idea or thought so well written that we are compelled to ask the other to stop reading for a moment and listen to a line or two. 

For those who are anxiously awaiting this year’s Presidential election, I suggest you read 'The Path to Power', by Robert Caro.  The book examines the life of Lynden Baines Johnson and his rise to power.  It is a fascinating read and offers insight into the psyche of an individual who will stop at nothing in order to gain political office.

My wife is currently reading 'Darwin', by Irving Stone.   This book is historical fiction and recounts Darwin’s early years as a student and researcher for the British Navy.  It is filled with bits of information about Darwin including his training to become an Anglican clergyman.   She has also read, The Hunger Games, by Suzanne Collins.  She finds the subject of the book both fascinating and disturbing.

Whether you tend toward history or fiction, you need to make a trip to the library or a yard sale and get a book.  It will be worth the investment, and you won’t be disappointed with the rewards that you earn.  And that is to the point.

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