Photos by cottonbro studios
“Reading makes immigrants of us all. It takes us away from home, but more important, it finds homes for us everywhere.” ~Jean Rhys
Perhaps the most universal piece of advice for writers is, “Read, read, read!” Let me just amen that and add this: Read together! In addition to reading to yourself, read with someone you love.
My wife and I have been reading aloud since we first started dating forty years ago. And as a result, the stories we’ve experienced together—the classics, the disappointments, and everything in between—have formed rich layers of strata in the wonderful, mysterious thing we call Us.
Reading together has also enhanced our relationship with the mysterious thing we call Story. In discussing the stories we’ve read, rather than merely musing over them in isolation, we’ve enriched our understanding of what makes a story Story. And as a result, we’ve become better writers.
About two seconds after each of our children were born, we inducted them into the cult of Story as well. And they’ve never lost their faith, never turned agnostic. In fact, they’ve abducted many of their friends into the sect. Because, you see, it doesn’t just work for lovers, it works for all lovers of Story.
So, yes, by all means, read–shamelessly and publicly. But also find someone to read with. Whether you read aloud together or separately and then discuss it together (I love the former, but respect the latter), find someone to love Story with…
And you will grow as a story teller.
“Until I feared I would lose it, I never loved to read. One does not love breathing.” ~Harper Lee
“It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive.” ~James Baldwin
“Books are the plane, and the train, and the road. They are the destination, and the journey. They are home.” ~Anna Quindlen
I couldn’t agree more!
I must concur with Liz, I couldn’t agree more.
The hubster and I enjoy reading the same book side by side on the couch then chatting about it later. I guess that’s the grown up version of toddlers’ side-by-side play, haha!
;>)
My wife and I have opened on our iPads an advanced reader’s copy of a middle-grade novel soon to be published. It’s fun taking turns reading a chapter to each other. As a bonus, I’m amazed at how our voices force those minor errors that could spoil a read to the surface, making it easy to fix before we publish to Amazon and other retailers.
Great approach, Grant.
Good advice, Mitch. My husband and I enjoy reading together in our den. We prefer the quiet of reading different books side by side, but often trade stories and observations. Happy Fall to you and yours!
Thank you, Mark, and likewise!
indeed, it is fun sharing reading time. It’s a great way to unwind and spend some quality time as well. Surely does help me spot the many mistakes, I’m a prodigious repeat offender.
Me too, Nigel.
I love this. My mom and I have always spent time reading aloud to one another, enjoying books and discussing the content–but in the past decade with my vision problems periodically making reading impossible for months on end, it has been such a blessing that my mom reads to me every day. I can get some books on audio, but for in-depth understanding, nothing beats reading aloud together.
How wonderful to have that unique bond with your mom, Ginger.
Reading is a universal bonding.
Hear hear 🍀
Great read! I love the quotes you’ve added.
Love, Mehak
Thank you, Mehak!
Oh, I wish!
How lovely was that to read!!
Thanks, Sandy!
My husband and I are a member of this club – “My wife and I have been reading aloud since we first started dating forty years ago. And as a result, the stories we’ve experienced together—the classics, the disappointments, and everything in between—have formed rich layers of strata in the wonderful, mysterious thing we call Us.”
You’ve made the time for what is important. This is a good suggestion. 🙂
I co-read with the audiobook narrator. I hope it counts.😁 This is a wonderful post, Mitch!🌸
Sounds like a romance developing, Aaysid. And the good thing is you can turn him off when you’re tired of him. ;>)
Haha. That is true. 😅
In a world of video games, Netflix and YouTube, we need to take time to read. Imagination is a superpower.
Amen to that, Chris!
Yes!
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Mitch,
Yep, yep. I would like my wife and I to read together. It’s just finding a book we can agree upon. Have a great week.
Gary