Optimus magister bonus liber (est), roughly translated implies that the Best Teacher (or friend) is a good book.
In a previous post, I spoke about the importance of playing and reading. So, now as July (and summer vacation) reach about the midway point, let us checkin with each other.
How are you progessing through your summer reading list?
I had the wonderful experience recently of visiting John K King Used and Rare Books in downtown Detroit. As I browsed the four floors of books - some old, some new, and many I would love to have purchased, I was struck by the fact that there is something unique and special about a ‘good book’. Think about your favorite books growing up - when you consider them, don’t you experience some good memory that is intricately linked to that book or series?
I recall reading the Hardy Boys series as a young man or the first time I read To Kill a Mockingbird - those books still illicit great memories of wonderful times in my childhood and young adulthood. That has grown the more as I continue to reconnect with the classic works of literature.
As we checkin at this midpoint, how is your summer reading going? Is your pile of books just the same as in late May? Is it bigger or taller?
I have found a few new “friends” in reading so far this summer that I will share:
The Education Reformation: Why Your Church Should Start a Christian School
Modern Warriors (admittedly on audio)
Thomas Jefferson and the Tripoli Pirates (audio)
Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers (audio)
The President and the Freedom Fighter (audio)
Economics in One Lesson
The War on Warriors (85% done)
Proverbs
The Motive
Robinson Crusoe (25% done)
As you can see, I have a long way to go, including to dive back in to The Wind and the Willows as part of our faculty reading clubs this summer (fortunately, this is a great book I did read earlier this spring).
Where are you on your list? Do you not know where to start?
Here are some thoughts from our school, Oakdale Academy:
Among my all-time favorites is Alexander Dumas’ great work, The Count of Monte Cristo.
Allow me to wrap things up with a friendly reminder - the days are stating to get shorter (already), and you can always find a great friend in a great book.
Enjoy!