Mom would tell us, don’t get stuck into a book now, do something productive. When I was young we were not allowed to read books, it made you lazy. Picture a lazy wife not cleaning her house, not taking care of her children, no cooking. There she lays in her unmade bed, cigarette hanging from her mouth, still reading. She hasn’t even got dressed for the day – reading takes away your life.
One of my aunts would still read and hide her book under her pillow. If Granny found it she would burn it in the log stove in the kitchen. Anything Granny did not like she burned (Dutch culture with an influence of German).
My siblings and I didn’t read much at all. Book shelves look so good in the lounge of other people’s homes. I longed for that.
At school we had to read so I am pleased I did have some opportunities, such as The Adventure Series by Enid Blyton. Anne Frank was amazing. I’ve read Redeeming Love, by Francine Rivers, a historical romance novel set in the 1850s Gold Rush, in California. The story is inspired by the Book of Hosea from the Bible. Its central theme is the redeeming love of God towards sinners. In 2020, a film adaption was announced with D.J. Caruso as director. By far the best one I’ve read yet. I have so much to discover in the reading world.
Recently my brother phoned to tell me he has read two books in less than a week. He has not read much in his life either. He was bubbling with excitement from all the knowledge that came from these books.
We are growing and healing and moving forward together, IT’S A GREAT LIFE!
