We made our first trip with Ava to the bookstore today, and it was a lot of fun. We had taken her before when she was much younger and books didn't pack the power they now have in her world. We headed directly for the kids section and her eyes lit up at the thousands of titles. Ava even made a friend when she offered her headband to another little girl of about the same age. The girl readily accepted and was none-too-happy after her mom took it away and gave it back Ava. Our little coconut wasn't bothered in the slightest by any of it.
I slipped away for a few minutes to check out the mystery section. The high prices shocked me a bit, but I found Robert B. Parker's THE PROFESSIONAL on sale, so I grabbed a copy. I've been putting off reading the last of the Spenser novels because, well, it will bring to an end one of my favorite series.
I returned to the kids section to find Ava had settled on three books from the Sesame Street gang with the help of her mom. Ava said bye to her new friend and to the store. I hope this first visit is the beginning of an everlasting love for books.
23 comments:
Does this mean you're not going to take a chance on Ace Atkins continuing the Spenser series?
Love that. I hope so too.
Naomi, I respect Ace as a writer but I don't see myself continuing on with the series. I've been reading Spenser since 1984 and, well, it's just time for me. But I will certainly return to the classics from time to time.
Thanks, Charles.
I know what you mean, David. I have similar thoughts about Adam Hall (Elleston Trevor, also author of Flight of the Phoenix). I have 3 Quiller books still to read. In the last, his son ads a very moving footnote, telling us how, after finishing his last Quiller, his father died - 'spread his great wings and took his final flight'.
I'm sure it will be! (Particularly if there's a purchase with every visit...) ;)
I'm glad I'm not the only one, Nik. I have these three Spenser novels and will stretch them out. I have never read Adam Hall but you have piqued my interest. Of course, I love the Flight of the Phoenix film.
Alyssa, We are poor these days but I'm betting I can find some quarters for at least one book.
I can't leave a bookstore with my children without buying something! Though I'm always so happy it's a book they want, and not some gimmicky little toy - how can you say no?
Elyse, Something tells me I won't be saying no to books either. :)
I can't wait until she is reading to you. kayla used to memorize the books so it appeared she was reading..it was amazing!!!
That's great about your daughter in the bookstore. My two boys came with me to a second hand bookstore the other day, and we all left with a book, all chosen independently.
My eight year old in particular loves reading, and has picked up his Dad's habit of managing to read whilst walking!
I miss reading to a litle one.....send her to me when you're weary!!!!!!!!!!! lol.....love aunt Sis (to Ava of course!)
It's never too early.
Mates, That is so cool that Kayla was able to do that and I'm betting Ava will follow suit. Very intelligent young ladies.
Ken, Thanks for sharing your book buying experience. It's comforting to know there are so many parents out there doing the right thing for their kids.
Thanks, Sis! :) I appreciate you stopping by.
I agree, Leah.
Dr. Suess perhaps in the near future?
Dr. Seuss has already arrived, G. Heck there's even a TV show featuring the voice of Martin Short that Ava enjoys.
Magic moments those, times to be treasured. Enjoyed reading about yours.
I won't be bothering with the non-Parker Spenser novels either.
My wife accidentally came home with the first of the non-Parker Jesse Stone books. It was total crap.
One thing, though--I'm pretty sure the last of the Spenser novels is SIXKILL, not THE PROFESSIONAL.
Keith, Yes, the last of the Spenser novels: The Professional,
Painted Ladies, and
Sixkill. And I love the Jesse Stone books and films with Tom Selleck. I couldn't imagine another writer tackling those.
I mostly remember taking my kids to the library. We went every Sunday and often on other days. They both came back with stacks of books each time.
We bought books at book sales at churches and for charities mostly.
We were a one income family and money was tight.
What a cute story! When I was a kid, I had a monthly book allowance, a tradition I continued with my kids. I loved those monthly trips to the bookstore, although most of my reading was from the library.
Sarah, I like the idea of a "monthly book allowance." I think I will try that for Ava when the time comes. Thanks!
Great story. You can trust a coconut to have good sense...I don't think I saw the inside (or outside) of a bookstore until I was in college. The books I found as a kid were at the dime store, little hardbacks on pulp paper.
Always glad for your blog posts like this.
"You can trust a coconut to have good sense." Love that line, Ron.
I will try to do more of these posts in 2012 but, as usual, it is difficult to balance everything.
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