First Books
Posted on May 28, 2008 - Filed Under all about books, amazing
I don’t know about you, but from the time I can remember, I always have had a book of one sort or another in my hands. I hated dolls and toys and only ever wanted books or clothes (yeah, I guess I was born 40 like Ma used to say). My books then were very special to me and had their own special places on the shelves above my bed.
My books now are special too. I just love books, plain and simple.
I just found out about this. I think it’s a wonderful thought and great idea. They have already distributed 55 million first books to low income families.
You want to change the world? Then it’s this sort of thing that will do it. Books feed imagination, curiosity and stokes the thirst for knowledge - and that leads to some amazing things and helps to add to the growth of our fellow human beings. What better way could we help?
Please check into it - if it grabs you, send them something - or find a way to get involved.
WC
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13 Responses to “First Books”
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Just hopped over from S&M and wanted to say congrats on the new site! I am seriously jealous!
I remember back when I was a child my mother used to practice on me while she was going for her teaching degree. I honestly believe that this helped me right away as I was always in the highest “group” in reading and math.
Hi Grimm
And thanks for stopping by. I think perhaps I understand your handle now a little better. I think it’s wonderful that your mother practiced on you. Without books, I think our lives would be so much less.
WC
Oh yes, most definitely gonna check that out. Thanks, Annie!
My kid always has a book in her hand .. she’s reading right now. 218 in the afternoon, sun shining, home early from school, and she’s reading. Gotta love her.
I thought you might want to take a look, Red. I know how much you love to read and how the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree.
BTW, I found two Rod McKuen books in the used bookstore yesterday - are you jealous?
A
Hi WC,
Anyone who wants to take my books is in for a serious fight. If they win that, then they’re in for some serious exercise, as I have well over 3,000, not counting my comic book collection. I’ll keep the charity in mind.
the Grit
LOL Grit, I got this great image of some numbnut dragging a bag of books whilst a madass farmer chases him in a tractor. Keep lovng them books.
Annie
I only buy one thing when I have extra money-Books. My brother owned a used book store for years and now just sells books on E-Bay. My sister is a writer and an avid reader. My daughter hasn’t watched TV in years because all she does is read. When I was young I could read a book, hold a kid and cook supper all at the same time. I will check out that site.
Oh Joan, I hear you on that. I go through book frenzies - just suddenly I must have more books and I buy them wherever and whenever I find them - I have so little space but I still have to have my books. Love em!
Annie
It’s an amazing program, and one that I am all for. For their Special Days at preschool, we give our students their very own book, and a bookmark. I enjoy being able to give the students something that I love.
Oh Mrs. V,
I should have guessed you’d know about it. I think it’s sweet that you give your kiddies their very own book - I love that. And it is great to give something you love, isn’t it?
Annie
I will check it out Annie.. I love books and I like to share them with others but I gotta tell ya, it is like losing an old friend when you never see them again. I love the smell of books and getting a new one feels just like Christmas.
I was the same with comic books when oh so very young,(Wish my Mama had not thrown them away, I might have some money today had they been kept lol) then I graduated to books and would read them on the bus to school and every time I could sneak it in.
LOL - I know what you mean - when I think about all the books I’ve lost or loaned never to see again, I cringe. And yeah those comic books could have set up for an early retirement, eh?
Annie
Your post reminded me that I too always have a book “on the go.” Only I seem to have a problem right now. I keep getting books to read and then getting a chapter or two into them before losing interest. And these are from my favorite authors, too. My boredom level must be changing.
Just gave up on Jen Weiner’s new book, and thinking about giving up on Alice McDermott’s.
Any suggestions? Sometimes I re-read an old favorite but I don’t feel like doing that either.
You know, Sandra, I’ve gone through that lately too. Some of my favorite authors have just been phoning it in. I guess it’s hard to keep something going for so long. Right now, I’m grooving on Dean Koontz again. Especially Odd Thomas. I just got the second in the series and can’t wait to read it.
Annie
Jealous . .yes. very
I got them to read to Kelly when I go up there. I think they’ll have a calming effect on her.
Annie
I wasn’t aware of this program. Thanks, Annie. I will definitely look into it. My daughter never goes anywhere without a book in hand. I’m so glad she’s in love with reading. I used to be but have let it get away from me as of late. It used to be I couldn’t put down a Dean Koontz once I started. Now, I don’t know where time goes. I have a pile of unfinished books on my bedside table and will make a point to read each one in the next few weeks.
Hey 2LD!
Definitely check it out - I know when I was a kid I loved to read too. But I have my times when I’ve got four books going and cant’ seem to finish any of them either. Maybe we just go in phases? If you haven’t already, check out Koontz’s Odd Thomas and Odd Brother - reminicient of the ol’ Lightning days.
Annie
Yes. Children and reading … I believe it does have an impact. Many of my earliest memories are around books. Daisy sent me here, and I see why there is a connection … feels comfortable. Thank you for this beautiful space!
Hi Pat and welcome,
I know, so many of us have our fondest memories around books - which I think is fantastic. Glad you like the space, hope you come back.
WC
As a child, I do not remember having a book read to me. I had to learn as an adult (after I had my first born) what Winnie the Pooh was all about. I loved reading to my kids; I got to hear many stories for the first time…. I will tell you too, I, well, I…. I have to force myself to read as an adult *gasp*. Once I get started on a book, I’m fine- I love it but in general getting started on a book is a challenge for me. I do love to write though. So, got any amazing book suggestions? Just one only to get me started. I don’t want to feel overwhelmed. What’s a book that you have read that REALLY had you coming back for more? I’d love to hear one of your suggestions….. This was a pretty large confession on my part due to the fact that it seems like most of you here commenting were avid readers as children…..
Give me a kick in the right direction here… will ya?
Oh, that’s so sad. You know, if I was going to recommend a book to you I think it would be Stranger in a Strange Land, by Heinlein. It is one of my all time favs and it’s quirky and interesting, even though it was written a long time ago. Why don’t you see if you can pick up a copy and try it? I think you might really like it.
Annie
Thanks for the link, Annie. Looks like a great program. I love the magic of books; there’s nothing like curling up with a good book on a cold night and just traveling far away… anything that helps more kids to read and enjoy reading is a wonderful initiative.
If you have time later you might like to have a look at The Literacy Site. It’s similar to First Book but they do a great thing where you click on their site once a day and their sponsors help to pay for books for disadvantaged children. It’s a simple way to help and since 2004 they’ve funded more than 1 million books for children… it’s these kind of sites which really show the power of the net. They’re making a world of difference.
I definitely will check out this site, sounds fantastic. Amazing what can happen when people just pull together to do good in the world, isn’t it? Thanks, CJ.
Annie
I have plenty of books to donate annie ~ also just ordered the book you suggested from Amazon. I will let you know what I think…. thank you !
Oh that’s great Bella. Do let me know how you like the book. I really love it myself, I hope you will too.
Annie