Reading (Radvent Day #14)

I have fallen a bit behind on the Radvent project...

I might try and make up the missed posts...but, I am not holding myself to it--especially since Christmas is 10 days away!

On to today's prompt:

while doing your christmas shopping, buy a few copies of your favorite children's book: One for you to re-read, and the others to gift to your loved ones.

Did you like to read as a child? Do you read more or less now?

I read aaaallllll the time as a child. I loved books--and I had a TON of them! My favorite reading spot was this pink wing backed chair in my parent's living room...although, I'm not sure why, as it really isn't the most comfortable chair in the world. I really didn't stick to any particular genre, either. Some of my favorites from when I was little:

• The Secret Garden
• A Wrinkle in Time
• The Westing Game
• The Babysitter's Club series
• The Giver
• Mrs. Piggle Wiggle books
• A Light in the Attic
• The Berenstein Bears series
• Amelia Bedelia
• Judy Blume: Fudge, Super Fudge, Sheila the Great...

Books were always on my birthday and Christmas list--and I loved book orders and book fairs at school! I have a really hard time letting go of books, even if I know I won't read them again--which is why our bookshelf here is overflowing with not only textbooks from college, but also almost all my old Babysitter's Club books (which no, I don't plan to read again...but I still have to keep them!).

Since college, I haven't read nearly as much as I would have liked to. This year, Lucas had a goal to read one book a month...I kind of mooched off his goal and attempted it myself. I think I did pretty well, but will admit that I read at least 4 of those books in the past 2 months (Lincoln has recently taken to napping in the car...so I spend a lot of time sitting in the front seat and reading to ensure he actually takes a nap!!). Some newer favorites:

• Ishmael, My Ishmael, and The Story of B
• Real Food
• Kite Runner
• The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay
• The Atlas of Love
• The Creative Family

Lately, I have been reading a (to remain unnamed) guilty pleasure vampire series (no, not Twilight...haven't gone there yet!). They are quick reads and awfully addicting, but I do feel like I need to read a biography or historical fiction or something to make up for the mindless, easy reading (which actually, I think has been good for me because it has made me read more and want to keep on reading!). I guess every so often, your brain just needs to be entertained!!

The other part of this prompt was to buy 2 copies of a favorite childhood book and share one with someone you love. Since I am all shopped out at the moment, I thought I'd share an idea instead.

A couple years ago, Lucas and I asked each family member to get us a copy of their favorite book for Christmas. The only stipulation was that was wanted a hand written note telling us why the book was important to them to accompany the gift. I am so grateful everyone played along--it is awesome to have those notes, and we have enjoyed reading a wide variety of books--spanning from children's picture books to the classics to memoirs. If you are looking for ideas for last minute Christmas gifts, maybe consider gifting a copy of your favorite book--and don't forget the hand written note!