One of the best ways to spend a rainy evening is to cuddle up in a warm blanket with your favorite beverage and read something new. Whether you like fictitious stories about fantasy settings, biographies about the greatest minds of the past few centuries, or informational reads that teach you more about one of your interests or passions, you’ll enjoy plenty of books out there. And if you want to make the experience even more enjoyable and memorable, include a loved one in the fun!
When we think about reading with others, most of us likely imagine parents reading aloud to their children, but that’s not the only situation that allows us to share our favorite books with others. Many caregivers enjoy reading aloud to the individual they’re caring for. It can be a great bonding activity that brings you even closer together! When my mother was alive, I would go to her house every Sunday and read aloud to her. After she fixed me my favorite meal, I’d get out a book and sit next to her and read. We did this for the final five years of her life, and it became some of our most cherished moments. I still look back on these memories fondly.
If you’re looking for something new to read, whether to enjoy alone or with others, I’ve got a few titles I highly recommend. My mom and I loved to read these together, and I’m sure you’ll find them worth reading!
‘The Glass Castle’ by Jeannette Walls
This memoir tells a compelling and vivid story of the author’s tumultuous upbringing, marked by poverty, neglect and frequent moves. She and her three sisters faced challenges due to their parent’s delusional thinking and negligence. At times, there is nothing in the kitchen but a stick of butter, and the kids eat it anyway. Despite these challenges, Jeannette overcomes adversity and creates a successful life for herself.
‘Orphan Train’ by Christina Baker Kline
This fantastic book focuses on the relationship between a woman in her 90s and a teenager as they navigate their difficult pasts and find common ground between each other. The older woman was involved in America’s orphan trains when she was a child, a lesser-known American hardship where abandoned children were removed from big East Coast cities to the Midwest by train, where they would hopefully get adopted. This story is an informative read that tackles themes of resilience, second chances, and unexpected friendships.
‘Half Broke Horses’ by Jeannette Walls
Another excellent nonfiction read by Walls, this book tells the story of her grandmother’s life, from her upbringing breaking horses in Texas to her adult life running a cattle ranch in Arizona. This is a great American tale that fills you with fascination and a desire to learn more about how our ancestors lived their lives. If you enjoyed “The Glass Castle,” you’ll want to check out this book!
There is so much to learn whenever you pick up a book, from discovering new perspectives, ideas, and cultures to understanding more about ourselves and our country’s history. And if you really want to get more from a book, read it aloud with a loved one and share your thoughts. Reading aloud could become your new favorite shared activity.