Comments on: The Need To Read – Awkward Boy Week Rolls On

By: Ms. Yingling

Ms. Yingling — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:14:21 +0000

Thanks for a reminder that I shouldn’t blink no matter what book a student wants to check out. Will admit to asking students who had Last of the Mohicans in their hands “What made you pick up this book?” If it was the huge number of accelerated reader points, I suggested other things. I have a lot of boys reading “pink” books now and enjoying them, so I felt bad that the librarian gave you a hard time all those years ago!

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 22:49:50 +0000

Thanks Wayne, what a great compliment.

By: Wayne

Wayne — Sun, 07 Feb 2010 06:38:25 +0000

Some of the first novels I remember reading were the Happy Hollisters my Mom saved for me from when she was young and the Hardy Boys. My tastes turned to science fiction pretty early and I loved robotech and star wars. At some point I ran out of books and I too decided to try something off my sister’s shelves, Sweet Valley High. I was hooked after the first book and eventually read the entire series. I think I still have a picture I drew of Jessica. I like to think this started my love of books with strong female characters like Jacqueline Carey’s Kushiel’s Legacy series.

Awesome blog by the way. Since I discovered this site a few weeks ago, it has been an incredible source of inspiration and motivation.

By: Rob

Rob — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 19:58:57 +0000

I also share this addiction. I secretly read Mary Higgins Clarke, Danielle Steele, and Nancy Drew when I ran out of books between library runs (and watched three seasons of 24 when I was “working” on my senior essay in college). I’m also hooked on children’s science fiction and fantasy. My favorite series right now is Ranger’s Apprentice by John Flanagan. I like how he emphasizes the hard work and practice that leads to being excellent at what you do in life.

By: Andria

Andria — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 15:32:35 +0000

Hysterical! I got a real kick out of this post. Not always one to finish what I started, I didn’t get stuck on too many series, UNTIL…I discovered Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time series. I’m sure you can’t have missed these, given the 12,000 or so pages of writing that went into them. The irony is that we’ll never know how the series was meant to end, given Jordan’s untimely demise (RIP, Jordan, you’re sorely missed). Actually, I wonder if he knew how he wanted to end the series too. And honestly, I don’t think I really cared about the ending, because I was hooked on the epic neverending continuation.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 01:23:05 +0000

Today my students were browsing through the Bailey School Kids books in the school library. They were reminiscing and choosing some they hadn’t read yet. I told them my favorite was “Santa Claus Doesn’t Mop Floors. ”

And then I thought of you and this post. It’s okay; the BSK books will only take you a few minutes each to read.

By: Cat

Cat — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:39:08 +0000

Ha! I don’t remember. The beach was much more interesting that the book…but I HAD to read SOMETHING. c.

By: Josh Hanagarne

Josh Hanagarne — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 18:53:22 +0000

What was the name of that romance?

By: Cat

Cat — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:48:00 +0000

As a recovering T.V. addict, I understand this so well. If someone asks me if I watch a show, it’s not just that I don’t, it’s that I CAN’T. There is laundry to be done; meals to prepare; sleep to be slept; children to be bathed, etc. And of course, books to be read. I can’t watch television because I’ll never stop. I don’t have a digital converter for my T.V. so the temptation has been greatly reduced.
I’ve almost never stopped reading a book because it wasn’t good. Like you, I just need to know. I remain optimistic about the author’s ability to redeem themself even when they have given my no good reason to maintain that belief. (Except that it’s an actual BOOK so someone thought it was good enough to publish. That obviously factors into the equation)
I once read a Harlequin Romance because it was left in the fishing shack I was staying at in Mexico. Only true read-a-holics could understand this; I know lots of folks who come here will understand! c.