Scary is as scary does? Part Two of Sleeping With The Lights On
By Lonnie Cruse
When I worked as a substitute teacher's aide a few years back, I often subbed in the various school libraries. On Fridays, after they turned in their checked-out books, the students in one elementary school were allowed to watch a movie. They always chose a Goosebumps movie from the books written by R. L. Stine. I gotta say, the movies always scared me far more than they scared the kids. Whew. One of my grandsons is now reading that set of books, and he loves them.
The newest rage seems to be the Twilight Saga series by Stephenie Meyer. Teenager readers are devouring the books, but so are adults. I've watched the movie based on the first book, but haven't had a chance to read the series yet. Those who have read the books love them. I'm fond of vampires, particularly Bella Lugosi, so I obviously need to read the books.
My point here is that though these books are scary, they are getting young people to READ! That is always a plus. And if older readers love them as well, that's another plus!
Writers and publishers have been mourning the loss of the reading public for a long time. If vampires bring readers back to books, then that's a great thing!
Reading has been one of the biggest pleasures of my life for as long as I can remember. I can't even remember not reading. I do know that my step-mom, the teacher, got me interested in reading. I bless her memory for that. Reading takes me away to another world, particularly when I'm stressed. Reading helps relax me so I can fall asleep. Maybe that's one of the reasons I can't read really graphic books or watch really gory movies. Life is often tough enough without adding darkness to it through my reading. That's just me.
How important is reading to you? Do you share your love of reading with others by buying them books or at least gift certificates from book stores? Do you encourage your loved ones to read? Do they see you reading? Just some thoughts and suggestions from me.
HAPPY READING!