<p>My choice of books changed dramatically when my D entered middle school. I decided to read everything she was assigned for class assignments. I have continued this (she is currently a senior) and have been recieving a broader education than I ever recieved in my high school days. One book seems to inspire another until I feel I’ll never get to read everything from subjects that six years ago I wouldn’t have paid any attention to. Never too late to change!</p>
<p>The REAL benefit tho’ was being able to know that D was completing her reading assignments (especially in the early days) because we were talking about the books almost daily. I don’t know that she ever realized that I was “checking up” on her. </p>
<p>I won’t say I have enjoyed every book she was assigned, but definitly enjoyed the conversation!</p>
<p>Coptermom - One of the best part of S’ education was the fringe benefits for me. I re-read beloved books “with” him - To Kill a Mockingbird… And discovered books I can’t imagine how I missed - Roald Dahl’s BFG being perhaps the very best. Wasn’t as religious about it as you, but now I wish I had been.</p>
<p>Also, it has been my tradition to give him a book each Christmas tht was a beloved book from my growing up years. And, now that I think of it, I’ll just keep right on keeping on.</p>
<p>Coptermom - My children’s high school actually asks parents to read some of the summer assigned books with their kids - I have found it to be alot of fun, and, like you, I try to read what they are reading and find it opens all sorts of new doors.
The neat thing is re-reading a book that I remember having trouble with in high school or college and finding I LOVE it the second time around! Plus, it’s neat to discuss the books they’re reading with my kids.</p>
<p>By the way, if anyone is looking for a terrific fiction book to read, I recommend Gilead by Marilynne Robinson. When I first picked it up, I almost put it right down because the cover description turned me off (who wants to read about a minister in the 1950’s midwest ? I thought) but it is one of the most beautifully written books I’ve read in a long time.</p>
<p>SBMom - thanks for the compliment! I have to say though, there were times I “looked for the movie” to try and escape the book! And I did take a short cut of sorts with Beowulf - I read a translation (“plain English” version) online just so I could converse about it! D has the advantage of in class translation! LOL </p>
<p>D’s Biology summer reading list inspired me to expand on a subject touched on in one of the assignments. I read Genome by Matt Ridley a few years ago and I convinced D to read it also. (It’s one of those books that I had to read and re-read sections to get through, but SO worthwhile!) Now D is headed to college to study genetics! You never know where one of your suggestions will lead! (Hey, I can dream that I had an influence can’t I?)</p>
<p>And to finally answer the OP - it’s been so nice to get positive feedback about my reading program. So many of the parents I suggest this too look at me like I’ve lost my mind! Of course it could be that over the years I have tried to discuss books appropriate to the 7th grade level! LOL</p>
And I did take a short cut of sorts with Beowulf - I read a translation (“plain English” version) online just so I could converse about it! D has the advantage of in class translation! LOL </p>