I have always loved reading. When I was a child, one of my favourite games was playing “library” in my upstairs loft. In this game, I would serve as the librarian, dutifully helping the visitor pick out a book from my parents’ bookshelves.
We had an old broken computer up there too, and I would type away on it, letting the visitor know when their book needed to be returned. I was at an age where my older brothers no longer liked to play make believe, so I was often playing this game alone, but it never bothered me that I had to serve as the librarian AND the library visitor.
Now, years later, I still love loaning out books, but now I lend my books to family and friends (as opposed to myself). There is something so unifying about reading the same book as someone else. What I love about a good book is it gives you access to a new world of characters and stories. When I read a book that my friend is also reading - or has just read - it’s like we can share in the adventures of the characters together.
There is a mountain of research about the importance of parents sharing stories and books with their children, but I think even as adults there is significant value in sharing literature. The other day I finished a book that ended with a major “twist”. I was one step away from a “happily ever after” ending when one of the main characters was murdered, and it became apparent that there must be a sequel in the works. I was shocked (and frustrated), and it was nice to be able to call my friend who had lent me the book to vent.
She understood exactly how I felt – we were in it together.
-- Jenny Aitken
Thanks for your guest blog, Jenny! If you would like to contribute to our blog, please contact us at nwtliteracy@nwtliteracy.ca or call 873-9262 or toll free 1-866-599-6758.
