Why Reading is Important

Ms. Kallio’s Favorite Book

Thu, 8 Apr 2010 14:01:26 -0400

As a lover of books, it is difficult to choose my favorite title, as I have always thought that the books that I have most enjoyed are the ones that have spoken to me, in the sense that the characters in each book have encountered similar challenges or experiences as myself. Currently, the title that, in 2010, is on the top of my recommended reading list is Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. Upon picking it up at our fall book fair, I was most struck by the title, as it resembles one of my fondest quotes "Live, Laugh, Love." I had entered a period in my personal life where I needed some hope and healing, so I found myself reaching for this book, and was not in the least, disappointed. My primary reason for falling in love with this particular title is that it is a memoir of one woman's decision to travel to Italy, India, and Indonesia after a devastating divorce left her spiritually empty. Despite the struggles that she initially faces, her search for "happiness" is successful. Although this book took me three full months to finish - the longest that I've ever spent on a title - the lessons that I have learned, while reading it, will stay with me for a lifetime.

Mr. Stith's Favorite Book

Tue, 12 Jan 2010 12:39:30 -0500

My favorite book is Team of Rivals:The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln. I have always admired Honest Abe, but did not realize how intelligent and calculating this man was throughout his life, especially while in the White House. Aside from the scholarly way in which the book was written and the fantastic stories that were told, the reason I love this book is because of the lessons we can learn about what makes a great leader. Great leaders don't surround themselves with friends and allies who will always agree with them, but rather, will consult their adversaries to give them ALL sides of the issues so that decisions can be made for the good of the entire nation. Lincoln's greatness comes from the fact that his cabinet selections consisted of those that disliked him the most. He was not intimidated by them. He valued their opinions...and utilized them. We need more presidents like this.

Ms. Gardner’s Favorite Book

Wed, 6 Jan 2010 12:33:19 -0500

It is so difficult to pick one favorite. I love the quiet peace in Goodnight Moon and the magical belief in The Polar Express. Scout's understanding of tolerance and love for all people in To Kill a Mockingbird is a lesson for all of humanity. Most recently I have read Invictus, the story of Nelson Mandela's amazing leadership and ability to forgive--an attitude that helped solidify a torn, divided South Africa. Books can be read and reread at different stages of your life, and the significance changes based on the reader's perceptions.

T.J. from the Ace and T.J. Show

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 09:14:42 -0400

Mrs. Williamson’s Favorite Book

Sat, 24 Oct 2009 09:57:04 -0400

My latest "favorite" book is The Last Song by Nicholas Sparks. I have quite a personal collection of his books including Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember, The Notebook, and Nights in Rodanthe. And while I love such actors as Kevin Costner and James Garner who starred in a couple of the movie versions of these novels, NO MOVIE is ever as good as reading the book. With a book you get to imagine the characters just as the author described them rather than seeing someone who could read a part. In The Last Song a typical American family was experiencing some difficult times. The parents had split and the teenage daughter who had adored her musically gifted dad was so devastated that she expressed her emotions in anger. She, who was also gifted in composing and performing music, suddenly refused to play and tried to distance herself from something that was truly an integral part of her being. When her dad requested that she and her younger brother spend the summer with him, she definitely did not want to go. She would be leaving her friends in New York and going to Wilmington, North Carolina where she knew no one her age. Her rebellion had extended itself into a "goth" persona as well. While her younger brother immediately bonded with their dad, Veronica "Ronnie" Miller left the house and stayed out until all hours and managed to hook up with a misfit girl who was abused by her boyfriend. While Ronnie had a decent personal code of ethics, she so badly wanted a friend that she migrated toward the group although she had a distrust of the abusive boyfriend Marcus who was a "player" and a pyromaniac. But soon Ronnie meets Will, the teenage heartthrob of the town, and she turned to him for friendship and as a confidante. As the story unfolds, we learn why the father asked for his children to spend that particular summer with him - thus The Last Song which Ronnie wrote to express her true feelings for her father. The story is heartwarming, engaging, suspenseful, and ends realistically yet with hope. I totally enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone else to delve into -- especially on a cold or rainy day!