Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "Has a book ever made you cry"?

Dear Pg.59,

I just finished the most amazing book!  It took me on an emotional roller coaster, which brings me to my question:  Has a book you or your members read made you cry?  Thanks for your time!

Reading Cry Baby

Dear Reading Cry Baby,

YES!!  I cannot tell you how many books that I have personally read that have brought me to many tears.  I usually enjoy those the most!  There has also been a few chosen by our members (this year) that were also tear jerkers as well such as, The Help and The Shack.  I believe that if emotion (joy, sadness, anger, etc) can be evoked within the reader then the author has successfully connected with them. Looks like you enjoyed the book!  Thanks for writing to us and we hope that you enjoy many books to come.

Tasha

Co-Founder

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "What do I do with all these books?"

Dear Pg.59,

I am an avid book reader and simply just love books!  But, I have a serious problem going on in my house.  Books are everywhere!!  On the floor, overflowing from the bookshelves, under my bed, on the counters, everywhere!!  I have run out of storage space and really want to give away or donate some of them.  Can you point me in the right direction?  Thanks for any help you can offer.

Truly yours,

Avid Book Reader

Dear Avid Book Reader,

What a wonderful problem to have!  Ok,  I don't mean to tease you... But we can definitely relate to your situation.  Here are a few suggestions for you:

1. Book Sale.  Sell those books and make a profit!! Now, we aren't saying you are going to get rich from this sale, but hey... a few extra dollars can't hurt right? Place ads in your local paper, craigslist, or other media sources and utilize flyers and signs to make sure your sale is a hit!  You may also want to check out your local flea market to set up a table there!  Check out online book sellers like amazon.com to post your books for sale through their website.  People love buying used books at low prices!  However, there may be shipping/handling fees involved.
2. Donate.  Contact your local Mom & Pop or Vintage book store (Yes, they still exist!) and ask them do they accept book donations.  Also, we discovered this organization, Chapters of Hope that accepts book donations and sends them to children all over the world.  Check out your local non profit organizations and charities to see what is available to you in your area.
   

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "I love to read....but my kid doesn't"!!

Dear Pg.59,

Reading is a true passion that I absolutely love! It helps me relax and get away from those things that have me stressed.  While I love reading, I can't seem to get my child, 8 year old son, to get into it.  I have tried a few things but nothing seems to work.  Do you have any suggestions?  Thanks in advance!

Sincerely,

Passionate Reader

Dear Passionate Reader,

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "I just don't like to read...."

Dear Pg.59,

I just cannot seem to get into the "reading" thing.  I have tried buying books that seemed interesting enough or recommended by someone.  And sometimes, I even crack it open and try to begin reading.  But I don't get far before I am  bored and ready to do something else.  Then the book(s) is neglected and I walk past it watching it collect dust.  It isn't that I didn't find the book appealing.  But an overwhelming since of dread and reluctancy just to perform the act.  Crazy right??  Can you help?

Sincerely,

I hate reading.

Dear I hate reading,

No need to be upset or worried.  Everything isn't for everybody!  And I do not believe that you don't like reading in particular, you just do not enjoy sitting down (designated time) and reading a book!  You read constantly all day long—text messages, emails, advertisements, etc.  I believe it may be a connection with a past reading experience.  Maybe an earlier reading/book experience has made a certain impact on your reading habits.... just a thought.  However, I have good news for you!!  Many authors have converted their books into.....wait for it...wait for it.... audio books!!!  *crowd cheers here*  So, now you can just listen to them while driving to work or on a road trip like you do the radio!!  Quick fix!  And if there isn't an audio version available,  may I also suggest e-books or an e-reader.  Just download it straight to your pc or reader and maybe you can trick yourself into not thinking its a book!! (LOL!) I hope this helps!! 

Tasha

If you have your own personal book reading stories, please share them with us!! We would love to hear about them!!

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "How do you read two books at the same time??"

Photo Credit: brooklynmuseum.org

I would like to pose this question to all our followers,  fellow readers, writers, bloggers, etc.  What is your approach to reading more than one book at a time? Do you even try to do this? Is there a set strategy that you use or find that works?  Let us know in the comments below. Thanks!

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "Everytime I start reading, I fall asleep!!"

By: Tasha Dillard

You wake up.  The book you were reading is now on the floor and your eyeglasses are resting crooked on your face.  Yep....you were out like a light!!  What began as a session of enjoyable book reading became a moment for peaceful slumber.  It seems that everytime you try to read this happens!! Why and what can you do about it??? 

Many of us have experienced dozing off while reading a book.  And there can be a range of reasons why– the book is a drag, you haven't been getting enough sleep, or the time of day that you are reading. Well, here are a few suggestion that may help you if you are having this problem.

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "The Ending Sucked!!"

BY: TASHA DILLARD

Photo Credit:
insidestl.com

Have you ever been reading (what you would consider the greatest book ever) and the ending let you down?  Did it leave you feeling disappointed, and confused?  Well, I know I have been there before and wanted to ask the author, "Excuse me, but where is the rest of the story or did you run out of creative ideas?" 

One of the worst things you can experience while enjoying the wonderful world of reading is to experience an amazing journey that an author has taken you on and the ending is very anticlimatic.  At this point you may hope that there is a part two or sequel to the book to find out that it isn't.  So, what do you do?  Do you share with all your friends your experience?  Well here are a few suggesions that you may want to consider:

1.  Write a review.  Many booksellers, such as Amazon, B&N, Borders, etc., provide a place where you can leave a review about the books that you have read. I recommend taking this approach because you are able to express how you felt about the book and often times rate the book as well.  This information is viewed by the public (including the author).  You also gain insight about how others felt about the book and   leaving your comments will add to the overall rating of the book.  (The authors/publishers care about public reponse to the book!)

Thursday Tales of Book Reading: "I dont have time!"

 When approached about the topic of "reading", many of you say that you never have the time or want to but never can seem to get around to reading that book that someone bought you last Christmas..... Well, here are a few simple ways that you can steal time from your busy schedule and read that book you simply have not been able to get to!

1. Choose the right book for you!  Select something that you know appeals to you so that you will WANT to read the book in the first place!!

2. Schedule time to Read. Yep, just tell yourself at 9pm Friday night (ok, maybe not Friday night, try Wednesday night instead) I am going to start reading that book! You can do it!

3. Take the book with you! I do this when I think I will have time in between training sessions or on lunch breaks.

4. Give yourself a certain number of pages or chapters to read.  Challenge yourself to read 2 chapters or 25 pages each night.  I'm sure you will end up reading more than you expected!

5. Don't have time to run out and buy it? Order it online from any one of the online book websites.  Checkout amazon.com for new and used books. They come right to your door step!

6. Get a friend involved. Nothing like talking about a good book to a friend who is either reading it or has read it already!!

With these steps and some aspiration, I believe that your reading pursuits can be successful!!