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Saturday, March 19, 2016

For the Love of Reading

I always hoped that the kids would take to reading, but I almost did not anticipate the extent of it! With D, I have actually had to curtail her reading time, due to concerns about her eyesight. With both D and S, not being allowed to read is one of the biggest threats possible, so my job here is definitely done :). The weirdest part is when I am trying to enforce some discipline on the subject ("finish homework first", "drink your milk first" and so on), and I remember my childhood and episodes of reading the book that I wanted, smuggled inside a schoolbook as a cover :D. Nothing like flashbacks to make your parenting cliches sound even lamer.

The library system in Singapore is great, and members are allowed to borrow or return books in any branch. This also means that I have traveled the length and breadth of the island (literally) to visit a branch for a specific book (usually for D who's in her stuck-to-an-author phase). But who am I kidding, I used to be exactly the same. Even now, when I start a series by an author, I have to read the books in chronological order and missing any one along the way just spoils the fun ;). For the record, the same goes for TV show episodes.

I'm always vying with the children to borrow an extra book or two, especially when I discover a great new author or series. To my delight, I found that my local library branch has this amazing collection by Wodehouse - surely not an author new to me, but it has been too long since I read his books. I am not yet sure if all the books are available, but many of his early ones seem to be around. In my enthusiasm to renew my memory of his books, of course I had to start with his first published one :). It's a school story called "Pothunters" for those who're interested :). Here's a glimpse of one part of the lovely set at the library:


I have found some great book recommendations from my friends on FB, some of whom are on reading challenges which also seem to be a great way to discover new genres. I had posted once asking for Indian mythology recommendations, and found some gems there as well! You can see the thread here, in case you missed it at that time :). I must admit though, that nothing beats just browsing through a library, picking up a book at random and discovering an all-new favorite! 

14 comments:

  1. OH I so completely agree! D sounds exactly like Gy. Curtailing reading time is the best threat right now. Everything else she will forego happily ;) As for Wodehouse, ahem, I have my own library now thanks to my dad. Now hunting for a lovely ceiling to floor bookshelf for new home to stockpile mine and hers! It's incredible how much fun it is to read and watch others read too. It's one of the few joys that positively doubles when shared. Oh and it soothes me immensely to read quietly by Gy when it is the ONLY time she will be quiet too :P

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    1. Hey, are you shifting to Whitefield?

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    2. Hey Uma. Doesn't look like it this year. I'll be there for the vacation though.

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  2. Such a beautiful post Aparna, brings back so many memories. I was brought up in a family of readers, and married a reader smile emoticon.
    Being a pretty anti-social person, I loved my books, and I loved the company of books. Seeing Z love her books as much as I did is magical.

    I remember spending hours in a little library close to home. A small place with books all over. It was my book haven.

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  3. Wow..that's great, Aparna! Kudos to you. I'm yet to get there. Although R likes to read, books are not always the first choice. Wodehouse is always good company. The library system does sound wonderful. Enjoy! :-)

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    1. Thanks Uma :). As I found with S, there is no forcing with this, they will jump into reading when the time is right!

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  4. Sigh. Not only have I lost the battle to make my son read, I think I'm reading less now.
    What is happening to me, I wonder!
    Lovely post, Apster :)

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    1. Thanks Sid :). I went through this phase of reading less a few years back as well, but I can assure you it passes by.

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  5. Anonymous3:08 AM

    Same here Aparna. While I was waiting for my son to develop the love for books , now I have to stop him from being buried in his books all the time. Have currently banned him from reading the next Harry Potter till his exams are over and I have to endure his repeated begging everyday :D

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    1. Thanks so much for dropping in Asha! Don't even mention HP to me, those books have been re-read so often by my older one that they are banned to her now until I say so :D.

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  6. Delighted to stumble on your blog and your writing after so many years. Stay at it. I am rediscovering the joy of reading, with my kids.

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    1. It was so lovely to hear from you Govind, and thanks for your kind words :).

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  7. interesting post. I agree with you, disciplining kids at a young age will make them more responsible. Reading is also a very good pastime because it enhances the mind. My University in UAE has a big library and it has a wide collection of books that keep me company :)

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