The Bookworm Has Been Found

Lately I've been able to read a lot more. When I was a kid, I read all the time. Somewhere, I guess when I hit high school, I didn't get to do as much reading for pleasure. I mean, I still have read some throughout the years, but not like I used to. So it's been fun to get back into it. I read part of the blog called "Stuff White People Like." I guess it's from the book, I don't know, I haven't read it. I laughed, though, because it said white people won't admit to reading a book after having seen the movie. Now, half the time, I didn't even know the movie was from a book. That's out-of-touch I've been with what books are out there. So I will admit, I read The Devil Wears Prada and Nanny Diaries after I saw the movies. And way back when, I read The Firm and Pelican Brief after watching those movies. I recently finished The Time Traveler's Wife, so I will be ready to see the movie when it comes out on DVD. I'm just starting Eclipse. (I did read Twilight before I saw that movie.)

People often ask me if I miss teaching, and I usually tell them no. Overall, there's things about it that I enjoyed. But I've realized lately that the main thing I miss is reading aloud to my class. That was always enjoyable! I got to throw in my own childhood favorites, like Tales of a Fourth Grade Nothing, Superfudge (both by Judy Blume), and The Westing Game (Ellen Raskin). I also discovered other good ones, like There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom (Louis Sachar). Most people have probably read the Judy Blume books. They're about Peter and his annoying little brother, Fudge. They're good reads. The Westing Game won the Newbery award. It's about this guy that dies and makes a big game for his heirs. The heirs all happen to live in the same building even though they previously didn't know each other (for the most part). The story is one big word puzzle. I love it. There's a Boy in the Girls' Bathroom is about this kid who is not doing well in school. He's not well-liked by his classmates, basically he has no social skills. He starts to work with the counselor at school, and things begin to change. That one is great. It has funny situations, but delves into the emotions. I'm actually trying to think of a way to incorporate that in my counseling group. If you like reading children's literature and have never read those, you should check them out. Again, I haven't kept up that well with the newer children's books, but I hope to soon. Recently saw a series called The 39 Clues. I want to check that out.

All this reading has really made me think about writing something. I've always wanted to write a book. I have never decided if I'd want to write a nonfiction book, a novel, or a children's book. Who knows, maybe I'll get inspired one day.