A Reading Life

November 1996 

            A thing in this world that really interests me is reading. Reading is a way to become someone else without leaving your couch or chair. It allows me to escape into the world of another to explore new circumstances without worrying about being shot by the South or captured by pirates. It allows me to delve into history and explore the world of pure fantasy. Where else can you cry and laugh all in the same sentence? The answer: a book.

Books are a huge part of my life and not only because my Mom was an English teacher and my Dad is a huge reader. Books have always been a way for my family to connect. When I was younger, we always read aloud at the dinner table as a family. I remember reading The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever by Barbara Parks, many Richard Peck books, and best of all the seven Harry Potter books. My family has always made time to read from when I was really little. There is a very cute photo of me sitting on the couch “reading” when I was only two years old. I can honestly say that I enjoy reading now as much as I did when I was little and when I was growing up. Reading has always been a huge part of my life!

Just recently I finished the book Juliet by Anne Fortier. As the title suggests, it is based on the play Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare, but it contains an element of mystery regarding how the story actually ended and if the remains of the star-crossed lovers are still out there to be discovered. It also explores the idea that there are reincarnations of Romeo and Juliet that appear all over history and in our daily lives. Think about it. Do you know a couple who aren't supposed to be together but keep their relationship alive because it feels right to them? This couple is in the same situation in which the historic lovers found themselves. It was a wonderful book and I encourage you all to read it! The next books on my shelf are The Help by Kathryn Stockett and This Dark Endeavour: The Apprentice of Victor Frankenstein by Kenneth Oppel. I am excited to delve into these adventures.

Tah tah Class, I’m off to read a book! ~Rach