Beyond Pages: Exploring the World of Reading

Madeline in her library at Belle Hampton

For a passionate book lover like myself, there's nothing quite like the magical world a book opens up. Each volume is a portal to a different time, place, or perspective, offering a chance to escape the mundane and embark on thrilling adventures, explore profound emotions, or delve deep into the realms of knowledge. In the realm of books, every page is an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of the human imagination, making it a sanctuary for those who crave the magic of storytelling.

As authors, people often think that writing is our primary job. However, the most essential skill we possess is reading. We spend a lot of time and effort to ensure that every word we write ideally matches our thoughts and ideas. Additionally, we are avid readers of every genre, constantly seeking inspiration for topics, storylines, and phrasing.

My Journey Through the World of Book Reading

Crafting a story takes skill, so I appreciate other authors' storytelling abilities. Even as a young child, I was enthralled with books. My sister bought me R. R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings, which I enthusiastically read cover to cover. Once I became a parent, we listened to the series on cassette tape with the kids as we drove. Two of my sons shared the passion and read it repeatedly for pleasure as adults.

However, my youngest son found the Lord of the Rings boring, with the mere thought of listening to it painful. So, as they say, two out of three ain’t bad. But sharing books that are important to you and your family is vital to leaving a literary legacy.

My husband's grandfather wrote weekly " Thoughts on This and That." These writings were like a manual blog he shared with his friends and family through mail. Along with his reflections, he included chapters from his autobiography. Although I used to scan the autobiography chapters when they arrived, I eventually stored them in a file drawer in the attic, where they had been lost for many years.

After eleven moves, we emptied the attic, tossing some of the things that were collecting dust. I ran across the file, unaware of his autobiography, which I had read many years ago. Now that we have our children, I felt it necessary to share his fascinating story.

Choosing Books for Your Family Library

We have recently started a Family Library to promote a culture of reading, learning, and sharing among family members. Through literature, we aim to foster intellectual growth and bonding. Our library has a diverse collection of well-loved books covering various genres and not just limited to family history books.

Our library is broken down by subject matter. Jim Collins lists A must-read business book as ‘From Good to Great.’ We recommend ‘7 Habits of Highly Effective Families,’ by Stephen Covey, for families and enterprises. For development, ‘Creating Your Best Life,’ by Caroline Miller. In the children’s book category, ‘The Marshmallow Mystery’ by us, CJ Corki is a staple read, but there are others like ‘Oh the Places You Will Go’ by Dr. Suess.

Find more children's book recommendations at CJ Corki's recommendations and recommendations on Business, Development, and Family topics at Belle Hampton's recommendations.

But each family library should be unique to your family. Sharing your most loved books growing up with children and grandchildren brings a special bond between family members. But where do you start?

To start building your family library, first identifying your goals is essential. Are you looking to create a collection of books suitable for young children, or are you hoping to include inspiring books for adult family members? Do you want to prioritize classic literature or focus on a particular theme, like family values? By considering these factors, you can better define the scope of your project and guide your book selections.

Choose a location for the books. Do you want them to be physical books you can have when everyone visits? Or would you prefer digital books? Alternatively, would you like to share a list of book recommendations? Your decision should depend on everyone’s physical location. Think if they are spread out around the world or local to you. Also, consider your budget. Are buying the books costly? Or, if money is not an issue, would you like to purchase books for everyone in the family?

Promoting Reading as a Family Activity

Make reading a family activity by encouraging regular reading. Set aside dedicated reading times when everyone can read together, discuss books, or take turns reading aloud. If you have distant young grandchildren, consider recording a reading out loud or using a virtual call to read to them. Start a family reading group to discuss the books.

Promote reading challenges to encourage reading and celebrate achievements, but be mindful of individual abilities and preferences. Two of our sons have dyslexia, which slows their rate of reading. Offer alternative options like audiobooks to ensure everyone can participate. Remember, the primary focus should be on promoting reading for enjoyment rather than creating pressure to meet unrealistic goals.

Continue to grow your family library by adding new books and materials over time. You can consider family trips to bookstores, library visits, or online purchases to keep the collection fresh and engaging. Solicit family member recommendations or visit favorite author websites since they often give book recommendations. However, what you add should match the purpose of your family library.

Leaving a literary legacy is the greatest gift you can give as a grandparent. The gift of knowledge, enjoyment, and maybe even family history will be something they will remember for a lifetime.