Read a Good Book Lately? : Making time to curl up with a good book
Posted on Sunday, August 19, 2007
The Literacy Council of Benton County, who sponsors this monthly column, has a goal to reduce the 30, 000 residents of the county who can't read. Through the Literacy Council, volunteer tutors teach Adult Basic Literacy or English as a Second Language literacy.
From across the county, readers have squeezed reading books into their busy summer. Wayne Mays, president / CEO of the Siloam Springs Chamber of Commerce, said he's been reading one of the latest James Patterson novels.
"It's called, ' Big, Bad Wolf, '"Mays said. "I've read several of his mysteries and always enjoy them. Not long ago, I read a business book, ' The Secrets of Power Negotiating' by Roger Dawson.
"I was asked to speak to the teachers before school begins but I really believe that it's important for families to read to kids and let them know how much fun reading is. I think all of us as parents and grandparents can help children learn to love reading."
Administrative assistant Mary Crow at the Single Parent Scholarship Fund of Benton County laughed when she was asked about what she's reading right now.
"Well," Crow said," I'm reading volumes of short stories called'Cats 1, 2 & 3 '. The stories are about cats but they're also really good mysteries. I'm reading those and I'm also reading'Dress Your Family in Corduroy and Denim' by David Sedaris. His books are great - so funny. I've always enjoyed reading. It's a good way to relax, too. Reading is important to me, always has been."
Sherry Kavanagh, a retired social worker who now works tirelessly as a volunteer, said she just finished a book she loved.
"It was'Flight' by Sherman Alexie, a Native American writer who is wonderful," she said. "Although it's fiction, it offers a great message and a different perspective. Reading expands my world so much. From the ridiculous to the sublime - from fluffy stuff to books about faith and more serious subjects. I read everything. I always have. "Because reading is such an important part of daily life for most of us, it's easy to forget the thousands of adults here in Benton County who can't read. The Literacy Council of Benton County is ready and eager to change those numbers and in turn, those lives. Tutors are needed and welcomed. For details about the next available training session, call the Literacy Council office at 273-3486.
Tonya McKiever is staff writer for the Daily Record.
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