Reading together

At bedtime, children implore parents and grandparents to read another story. Sure, stall tactics may be involved, but I like to believe that the desire to have someone read a tale aloud is at the heart of most pleadings. After all, some books can be appreciated the most when you hear the words roll off someone's tongue. Dr. Seuss stories come to mind. 

Before ebooks, printed books or even scrolls, people relied on storytellers to entertain, enlighten, connect, and hand down oral histories and cultural experiences. 

Aside from broader communities, reading aloud can also serve to strengthen bonds within families. 

At our house, my hubby rarely sits still long enough to read. When he picks up something to read it tends to be a short piece from a newspaper’s business section, a hobbyist magazine or an instruction manual (yes, he's a rare breed). More often than not, his reading schedule coincides with bathroom breaks, because he optimizes every minute of his day.

On the other hand, I squirrel away any free time I can possibly find to curl up with a book. As much as reading recharges me, it doesn't always have to be a private experience. Go figure...I can appreciate reading as a couple too.

When we discovered the Harry Potter series, it was clear these were books we could both enjoy. Rather than me ploughing through the books lickedy-split, we chose to read them aloud to one another, alternating who would read the evening’s chapter. What a delightful ritual. (I may suggest we delve into The Lord of the Rings trilogy next.)

Even if you live on your own, you don't have to miss out. Authors often read excerpts from their works during public lectures. Seize the chance to attend any such session. I've been fortunate to witness readings by Bill Richardson, Anne-Marie MacDonald, Mordecai Richler, Leonard Cohen and Timothy Findley, among others.

Don't forget about storytime sessions at public libraries. They still draw crowds, so pop on by to take in the fun.

And thanks to technology, being confined to your home doesn't even close the door on reading together. Radio storytelling used to draw people in to ongoing tales. Today, that still happens on selected national radio broadcasts, but more often we rely on audiobooks, podcasts, digital videos and other technologies to bring a narrator into our rooms. People with incredible voices can regale you with works of fiction and non-fiction. 

Beyond appreciating the talents of others, you can also Skype or record your own readings to share with loved ones at a distance. What an inexpensive, yet special gift for the holiday season.

      AWESOME!

Source: adsoftheworld.com via Lise on Pinterest

Penguin Books released the Jungle Book ad above as well as two similar ones for The Wizard of Oz and The Pied Piper to promote audiobooks.