A Reading Family

I'd like to introduce a little project that evolved organically over the last several months -- A Reading Family.

It's simple -- you invite a family member (or several) to read a selected book at roughly the same time as you, and then you discuss it.

Yes, it's just like a book club. Except with relatives. And it works remotely, as well as in person.

Does that sound like fun or what! Or does it make you shudder with dread? Never fear -- the key is all in your choice of book. (Or your choice of relative.)

I realize that lots of families read together. Reading was always one of my family's favorite collective activities. We'd all pile onto the couch or lounge on the floor, each with our own book, magazine or newspaper.

My brother and sister and I now live far apart and we're busy living our own lives. We only see each other a few times a year, at most. Reading together has been a fun way to reconnect with those wonderful reading times we had as kids.

And it's a novel way for us to relate to each other -- saying 'You're so right', or 'I don't see it that way at all', or 'I didn't notice that'. But usually shouting, 'Oh my god, me too!'

It's fun to have bookish discussions with two people who know me so well. I don't have to explain what I'm thinking or why I responded a certain way; we understand each other. Yet we do have different tastes and perspectives. There's always something they'll point out to me that I missed.

Here's our reading list so far.


Fun Home by Alison Bechdel --
We had a strong personal connection with this graphic memoir, though one of us thought it was a bit on the academic side.


The Diamond Age by Neal Stephenson --
We all loved Snow Crash and this was a reminder of how awesome Stephenson is. Nothing really beats Snow Crash though.


The Road by Cormac McCarthy --
We haven't all read this one yet. Intense!


La Perdida by Jessica Abel --
A mixed response to a complex narration. We focused on some strong scenes, but also found some problems with this graphic novel.


The Essential Dykes to Watch Out For by Alison Bechdel --
Currently reading.

If it's been a long time since you read a book with your mom or dad, or brother, sister, cousin, aunt, uncle, grandparent, or anyone else in your family, think about asking them to join you for a readalong!

And let me know how it goes, if you do.