With the joys of parenthood come plenty of small and sometimes large disappointments. The defeats we quietly absorb, maybe vent about to a close friend, or agonize over with a spouse. All that stuff we’re not posting on Facebook or bragging about in the annual Christmas letter.
The not-so-good call from the teacher.
The sneaking out at night.
The back talk.
The first time a teenager comes home with alcohol on his breath.
The mishaps that make me wish there was a This Is How You Do It instruction manual or a direct phone line to God to ask, “Okay, now what?’
Kids will be kids. Sure.
However, life would be so much easier if my offspring listened to me with precision and complete obedience (ha!).
Despite the tough part of parenting, I have specific hopes and dreams for my kids. Many of them steeped in my passions and pursuits. For one, I imagined my children would be book lovers as I am. While my daughter reads school-required novels and Young Adult bestsellers (think The Fault In Our Stars or Falling Into Place), my son refuses to read books.
“I read enough,” he says. “The sports page of the Reading Eagle and articles on Twitter.”
“What about your assignments?”
“Cliff Notes.”
This is sad for me.
When he was a toddler, my husband and I read to him all the time. He loved the singsong rhythm of Mother Goose nursery rhymes, always begging for one more story. I had Hush Little Baby and Love You Forever memorized.
Things looked promising in pre-school. He had a small friend who was an early reader and they tried to outdo each other with their workbooks and reading prowess. Soon sports entered the picture. As a good athlete, he began to care more about balls and less about books. Luckily, he had Reading as a mandated subject through seventh grade and read (albeit grudgingly) sports-themed books like Mike Lupica’s Million Dollar Throw.
Eighth grade marked the beginning of the end. Reading was no longer a required school course and, therefore, it ceased. When not on the soccer or lacrosse field, he spent his time texting, Tweeting, Instagramming, Snapchatting, and hanging out with friends.
Ugh!
It was (and still is) impossible to make him pick up a book.
I’m afraid he’s missing one of life’s greatest pleasures—the joy of falling into a good novel, the brain stretching, and the way great literature changes the way you see the world.
But something happened the other day.
It was a normal Saturday just like any other. Dreaded laundry basket in hand, I turned the corner into my bedroom and almost collapsed from shock. There he was sprawled on the window seat, reading a book!
Just like in my fantasies.
I caught my son in the act.
My heart lifted.
I was tempted to post a picture on Facebook.
After a quick interrogation, it was revealed that his English teacher had forced him complete an interests’ questionnaire and, subsequently, matched him with a book (that didn’t have Cliff Notes).
The magically captivating treatise that tricked my son into reading is titled The Other Wes Moore. It’s a true story about two kids, both with the name Wes Moore, who come of age on the tough streets of Baltimore. One becomes a Rhodes scholar and the other a convicted felon now serving life in prison.
At this point, I’ve written to both his English teacher and to the author Wes Moore thanking them for this miraculous development.
My dreams are not dead.
He likes non-fiction.
It’s a start.
We’re on the hunt.
It was a good moment.
(This post was re-syndicated on Grown and Flown)
***
Vera Nazarian said, “Whenever you read a good book, somewhere in the world a door opens to allow in more light.”
Do you know of a compelling, page-turning book for a teenage boy?
Please, please share.
My novel, What The Valley Knows, is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Black Rose Writing. Click HERE to read the first three chapters for FREE!
xoxo,
Heather
“A taut, compelling family tale.”
Kirkus Reviews
Really like this one, Heather.
And my son had a similar reading trajectory.
Nonfiction was the gateway.
Yes, I think non fiction is going to be the way to go!
Awesome read! Do not give up on your fantasy, as I was exactly the same way. Now I’m constantly looking for something new to read. Matter of fact, in 1992, after reading a series of books I decided to pack up and travel the whole entire United States. Just because of where the books that I read took me. I had to see these different places to see if the authors described it the way I pictured them.
Ann, this is encouraging news! Thanks for reading!
Ann, that sounds like paradise!
I just loved this read, Heather. I have had the same battle with my daughter. I still can’t find a way in despite the popularity of the YA books being made into popular movies and hearing “I want to read the book before I see the movie.” It never happens. *sigh* Over the years of trying to get my husband to read too, I’ve discovered that he is more non-fiction so I search. As he’s older, though, he loves the war accounts so that may not be up your son’s alley. But one I discovered and my husband just loved and devoured in 3 days is Shadow Divers by Robert Kurson. Two deep sea divers rewrote history with one of their discoveries. On a separate note, a few years ago, students at my sister-in-law’s high school were reading The Two Wes Moores and it changed their lives. They wrote to Wes and raised the funds to have him come and speak. Some of our students at the community college where I worked were reading it too. Thousands filled the auditorium in Lowell to not only hear him speak but also see him honor the kids from the high school who put it all together. Great book. Wonderful experience.
Wow! What a great story about Wes Moore! I sent him a “thank you,” too!
Alvernia had Wes Moore as the literary speaker this fall for the incoming freshmen. My students enjoyed him and his book so much that most went on to read his second book with out it being forced upon them.
With that said, I have a son, who appears to be very similar to your son, in need of literary motivation. I am not sure why I didn’t think of this sooner but I do know what book he will be presented with today!
Wow! What a great speaker to share with the freshmen. Let me know if your son like The Other Wes Moore, too.
Great read Heather! More of our kids need to read today!
Thanks, Ernie! It’s a challenge to make them read, but I totally agree with you!
Great Post, Heather….loved the honesty and the dramatic pace. The picture at the end says it all! I’m forwarding to my son and daughter. Enough said!
Thanks for forwarding, Faye!
Another great read. One of which as parents we all have. Dealt with. Its been said and proven that the basis for learning is reading. As a parent i was a ” Melanie ” we read first and then , maybe TV. It worked. It was not easy at first. But it sure laid a foundation thst has carried thru life . A successful life. I am happy to say.
Thanks, Leon! I like your idea about reading first, then TV or electronics time to follow.
I never read a book ‘I didn’t have to’ until well after my 30th birthday. Like Cole, it was balls before books. I started with non-fiction as well and while that remains my primary choice, I’ve developed an interest in others. My love for reading unfolded exactly when it was supposed to. It appears his will as well. Enjoy your Blog!
Thanks for reading, Jerry! My hope is that his love for reading grows.
Well done Heather , on all accounts !! Great read , and I hope your son continues to read.
Thanks, Kathy! I hope he keeps reading, too.
Great discovery, Heather!
My boys were also not as interested in reading as the girls were. My husband and I were both English teachers. We were appalled!!!! What to do? What to do? I bought them the Guinness Book of World Records, not even a story, but it peaked their interest…hahahahahah I have to laugh about it now. Both have gone on to graduate degrees and are avid readers!!! Moms NEVER give up!!!!
Carmela, what a great story!! I think I’ll invest in a Guinness Book of World Records, too.
Loved it- I can totally relate – Cameron dislikes to read too, however, a few days ago he said , “Mom, my English teacher was right, I do like the book we are reading now- October Sky-” Sometimes they find a really good book. Love it!
I know it is a struggle! I will check out October sky for Cole. Thanks!
Super good read this week, Mom!
Loved your fun and easy Sunday dinner idea!
Thanks, Susan! There’s nothing better than movie theater popcorn!