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Is 25 cents too much to pay for books about learning?
It must have been at an area garage sale last week.
There were tons of children's books all in wonderful shape about all kinds of things. Wonderful reading for children.
But not one of them sold.
So, the person holding the garage sale, not wanting them to go to waste, boxed them up and took them to an area Good-Will location. She carried them into the store and was told she could take them to a space in the back. What do you think she found when she got there?
Boxes and boxes of books, all just sitting there waiting for someone to read them.
But will they ever be read?
Maybe Kindle or other reader devices have taken the place of books. It is not uncommon to see someone reading on a screen.
It is also not uncommon to see someone reading a book.
What we hope is that people are reading, especially young people. But we are not sure that is happening.
I recently moved some books around at my office and was holding one when one our young employees walked past. I told her this was a good read and asked her if she wanted to borrow it.
"I don't read much," she admitted.
She then added "I should but I don't."
My concern is that our young people are spending their time reading happenings on Facebook and are surfing the net reading who knows what.
I also talked to a high school student who was doing some summer reading, preparing for fall classes. She was reading "Great Expectations" which was one of three on a required reading list.
I asked her if she was enjoying them and was glad to hear her say "yes."
I enjoy reading---books, newspapers, short stories--and even the Mass book when I attend church.
I wish everyone did.
So, I challenge parents to take some time and read with your children. Pick out things for them to read and discuss it with them.
I bet you will be glad you did.