Book Worm

I try really, really hard to let my kids be their own people and follow their own paths.When Lainey didn't take to dance, I shrugged and moved on. When she showed no interest in clothes or shopping, I sighed with relief (I loved shopping in my youth, but HATE it as an adult). But, if she'd hated reading, I think my soul would have been crushed.

Fortunately, she's turning out to be as big of a book worm as me. Of course we read every night, but she's also been reading in bed when she wakes up early (a delight for me in soooo many ways!)  and will read after breakfast if she has extra time. Friday morning, I caught her walking down the stairs while reading her book--not the safest choice, but it gave me a thrill to see her so enthralled. It's almost too much for me to take! So many books that I want to share with her rush through my mind; it's hard to pace myself. I get giddy imagining the future when we can swap book recommendations and talk through our favorite reads.

It will be fun to see if a particular genre or author calls to her. I remember in my late elementary/early middle school years I was an avid mystery and horror story reader. I think I had every R.L. Stein and Christopher Pike book ever written. In high school, I fell in love with Jane Austen and the Brontes. College brought me "she-does-no-wrong" Toni Morrison and an appreciation for Hemingway. 

I do hope she develops a love for the good stuff. I can't lie and say I wouldn't be disappointed if the only books on her shelf were pop fiction (which has its place, but...). But, that is a worry for another day. For now, my heart bursts with joy! Read on, dear Lainey, read on!