My reading journey:
There is something so comforting and meaningful about sitting down with a good book, and soaking up the silence. I have always enjoyed reading, and these past few years I have really gotten into it.
My absolute favourite place to read has to be curled up in my car, on a rainy day, somewhere with a nice view. This summer, I found that the Jim Smith parking lot makes a comfortable and serene place to relax with a good story; and it is usually completely empty in the rain!
My new found love of audio books!
This summer, I also fell in love with audio books! I love to keep busy and move my body, and audiobooks have been the perfect way to occupy my brain while doing this. Whether it’s walking on the treadmill, doing the Stair-master, lifting weights, cleaning, or even driving on long road trips, audio books have been a game changer for me!
Getting read to is a beautiful thing, and I found that reading out loud to students has actually proven to have many powerful effects!
According to Read Alouds for all Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day by Molly Ness; “listening to an expert reader is the most efficient way to build the knowledge and vocabulary crucial to reading comprehension” (Ness, pp. ix). Learning this makes perfect sense to me, as I have always enjoyed being read to!
The ‘one book’ that changed things for me!
My ‘one book’ that changed everything, and got me into reading, is called All The Bright Places by Jennifer Niven. I’d first read this book in Middle School, and I re-read it a few times during Highschool.
All The Bright Places is about two teens, Violet and Finch, who meet at a really low point in their lives. They end up getting close while dealing with grief, mental health, and just trying to survive high school. As they spend time together and go on little road trips, they help each other heal. It was a really meaningful book, and helped me understand my own mental health. Although it has a heartbreaking end, it still really helped me… and also got me in to reading. I had never been so immersed in a novel before.
How do I feel about reading?
I honestly love reading, but only when the book actually grabs my attention. If I’m interested in the story or can relate to the characters, I get really into it and don’t want to put it down. But if the book doesn’t hook me, it’s hard for me to stay focused, even if I know it’s supposed to be ‘good’. When I’m invested, reading feels fun and relaxing instead of feeling like a chore.
What types of books do I like to read?
I like reading romance, fantasy, and historical fiction, and I also enjoy a bit of mystery mixed in. I have recently gotten into some of the classics as well! I’m especially into stories with strong characters and interesting relationships, and I like when there’s some suspense or emotional depth to keep things engaging.
What do I like to do outside of school?
Some things I like to do outside of school are being outside, hiking, fishing, and paddle boarding. I also enjoy going to the gym and weightlifting. In my downtime, I like gardening, reading, and working on random little crafts. I love spending time with my family, friends, and my two kitties as well!
My favourite authors:
I enjoy an array of authors. Rebecca Yarros and Lauren Roberts have written some of my favourite books; as well as Jenny Han. Christina Lauren and Lynn Painter have also wrote some books that I really enjoyed. Some of my favourite classic authors are Jane Austen and Dostoyevsky.
Tell me a bit about the last book you read that you really enjoyed.
Just before winter break ended, I finished the first book in the Before The Coffee Gets Cold series by Toshikazu Kawaguchi. It was such a thoughtful story about a small cafe in Japan where people can travel back in time, but only under very specific rules. Each chapter focuses on different characters who go back to revisit important moments in their lives, exploring regret, love, and closure. This story meant a lot to me, especially at this time in my life.
How have I been spending my time?
Since winter break, I have been hanging out with my family a lot. My family has been going through a tough time these past few months, so it was really nice to be able to focus on them. I have also been trying to prioritize my health by going to the gym consistently, and getting outside for walks!
What subjects or topics do I like learning about?
I have recently been loving history and geography! I recently downloaded an app called Libby, which connects to your library card and gives you a wide variety of audiobooks! My most recent audio book was: History Revisited: The Great Battles, Eminent Historians Take on the Great Works of Alternative History. This audio book explores famous moments in military history through imaginative ‘what if?’ scenarios. Each story is paired with commentary from eminent historians who assess how realistic these alternate outcomes might have been and what they reveal about real historical events. It examines events like the Napoleonic wars, the American Civil War, World War II, and a bunch of others. I found it to be so interesting, and it was a great way to distract my mind at the gym while also doing a bit of learning.
If I could read a book about one thing, what would that be?
I’d read a romance (to keep me interested) that explores the human mind, like how people think, feel, and connect with each other. A story like that can teach me about emotions… and the way our minds shape the choices we make.
References:
–Read Alouds for all Learners: A Comprehensive Plan for Every Subject, Every Day by Molly Ness