Reading. Not only is it a requirement for my job as editor/author, it's a passion.
I was that kid in elementary school who stood their textbook on its end, and poured through a Beverly Cleary book while the teacher was lecturing. Sounds foolproof, right? Nope. Every...single... time the brainy kid would wave her hand in the air, and point out that I was not paying attention.
Snitch. Oh, doesn't get me wrong--I have nothing against smart students. They are to be commended. In fact, I usually made "A-B" honor roll in elementary school. But the brainiest kid was my cousin (who always told on me to my mother), so there was an underlying layer of hostility.
I digress.
Books have accompanied me on vacations, to the hospital, and to the restroom. Too much information about the last location? Hey, I chose that out of desperation. When my children transitioned from diapers to "big boy pants," I thought I'd have more time to read. I soon discovered I was invisible until I sat down with a book. Then, like half-starved wolves after a deer, they sought me out. It's a tad difficult to become engrossed in a book when a toddler thinks your only purpose in life is to be a chair with for them.
Reading labels off the backs of food packaged was horrifying, but provided no satisfaction. So, I chose restroom as my hideaway. I did, of course, inform my husband of my plan, lest he think I had some terrible colon problem. It wouldn't be exciting to find fiber bars in my Christmas stocking. My plan worked all of thirty minutes, then chubby fingers appeared beneath the door, accompanied by notes and the childish sing-song chants "Mommy."
My boys are older now. Their minds filled with thoughts of girls and sports, my lap is now a distant memory. And I don't find that satisfying...at all.
Many of my "mom" friends have summer reading lists. Since I have time now, I've started one of my own.
I'd love to hear your ideas. If you have a book suggestion, tell me in the comments below.
But WAIT! Would you like a chance to win a free book? Check out the contest here.
I was that kid in elementary school who stood their textbook on its end, and poured through a Beverly Cleary book while the teacher was lecturing. Sounds foolproof, right? Nope. Every...single... time the brainy kid would wave her hand in the air, and point out that I was not paying attention.
Snitch. Oh, doesn't get me wrong--I have nothing against smart students. They are to be commended. In fact, I usually made "A-B" honor roll in elementary school. But the brainiest kid was my cousin (who always told on me to my mother), so there was an underlying layer of hostility.
I digress.
Books have accompanied me on vacations, to the hospital, and to the restroom. Too much information about the last location? Hey, I chose that out of desperation. When my children transitioned from diapers to "big boy pants," I thought I'd have more time to read. I soon discovered I was invisible until I sat down with a book. Then, like half-starved wolves after a deer, they sought me out. It's a tad difficult to become engrossed in a book when a toddler thinks your only purpose in life is to be a chair with for them.
Reading labels off the backs of food packaged was horrifying, but provided no satisfaction. So, I chose restroom as my hideaway. I did, of course, inform my husband of my plan, lest he think I had some terrible colon problem. It wouldn't be exciting to find fiber bars in my Christmas stocking. My plan worked all of thirty minutes, then chubby fingers appeared beneath the door, accompanied by notes and the childish sing-song chants "Mommy."
My boys are older now. Their minds filled with thoughts of girls and sports, my lap is now a distant memory. And I don't find that satisfying...at all.
Many of my "mom" friends have summer reading lists. Since I have time now, I've started one of my own.
- The Reason I Jump: The Inner Voice of a Thirteen-Year-Old Boy with Autism by Naoki Higashida
- 101 Games and Activities for Children With Autism, Asperger's and Sensory Processing Disorders by Tara Delaney
- Once Upon A Mountain by Bobbie Shafer
- Aunt Erma's Cope Book: How To Get From Monday To Friday . . . In 12 Days by Erma Bombeck
- The Rich Girl (Fear Street) by R.L. Stine
I'd love to hear your ideas. If you have a book suggestion, tell me in the comments below.
But WAIT! Would you like a chance to win a free book? Check out the contest here.
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