Update & Cool Story

Just a quick update to let you know what I’m reading, and to tell you a really cool book story.

1. Queen of the Road – I finished it over the weekend (yes, I know, everyone else read it already!) and will have my review up soon – review spoiler: it was MUCH better than I expected and lots of fun
   
2. Imagining Argentina – I’m about ½ way through and can’t put it down – review spoiler: a quote on the back says it’s a “harrowing, brilliant novel” and I couldn’t agree more
3. Why the Wind Blows – I put this one down for a while but should finish it this week - review spoiler: not bad
   
4. Life Is So Good – ¼ of the way in I had to lend it to someone so I don’t know when I’ll get back to it - review spoiler: sorry, haven't read enough for that :(
   

Really Cool Book Story

I’ve talked about my Gram before but let me recap the important things that relate to this story: she is 86, currently visiting from Florida with my Grandpa, and has a 3^rd grade education. SO … here’s the story:

I went to my parents for dinner last week carrying two books. I planned to lend The Beekeeper’s Apprentice to my dad if he was interested, and the other was my current read, Life Is So Good. Dad, Gram and I sat at the table chatting and I mentioned to Gram that she’d like my current read because it was a true story (Gram – and my mom too – don’t see the point to fiction at all. Why read something if it isn’t “real”?). I explained that it was about the grandson of a slave who finally learned to read at age 98. She picked up the book and flipped through a few pages, admittedly looking for some pictures (there were none). While I cleaned the table she read the first page or two. I was quite surprised when she said that it was really interesting. I asked if she’d like me to leave it for her to read and she said yes. Huh? This, from the woman who I’ve never in my life seen read a book, and who says that reading makes her fall asleep? But ok, whatever, I’ve got TONS of other books to read right now, so I left it there.

I went back over a week later and my dad tells me – in a very shocked voice – that Gram is loving my book. In fact, she’s staying up way to late at night because she can’t put it down. I asked her later how far she’d gotten and she was pleased to tell me that she passed by bookmark already. WHAT?! I am totally shocked and impressed. Go Gram!

I’ve decided my new title should be “Ambassador of Reading” or maybe “Ambassador of Books” … which do you prefer?