Let the Summer Reading Begin!

It is time to confess, to stand up in front of a circle of people and purge my guilt. I, Nicole Badgley, do NOT spend the summer reading classic literature. I know, I know, the really good teachers do spend their summer in pursuit of worthwhile symbolism and life-changing immersion into the "written world." I on the other hand like to relax and forget about work-related reading. I pretty much assume that what I have been stock piling to read over the summer will be quick reads, not-destined-to-be-classics, enjoyable but not life-altering reads. I want something I don't' need a pen to read with (you know how English teachers love to read with a pen in their hand and write in the margin). I want something that I can read by pool and if it gets wet, there are no worries it won't be good enough for my classroom by the time I get done reading it. I want something that I can read in short spurts between t-ball games, running kids to camps, waiting through swimming lessons, and mowing the lawn.

One of my favorite summer authors, Jodi Picoult, wrote in the book Change of Heart that

“words are like nets – we hope they cover what we mean, but we know they can’t possibly hold that much joy, or grief, or wonder… you can describe it to someone else – and language only takes you so far…”

Let's just say, I wasn't expecting to find a phrase that would prompt me to write a blog entry. Not only do I think about this phrase in respect to what the author was trying to say within the context of the story, but I also looked at it from the stand point of a writer - of me as a writer. It makes me rethink whether I should give up blogging and go to podcasting - at least then I could talk about my thoughts and you could see and hear my emotions. No wait... I like hiding behind my words... a protective shield...

(As a side note, if you believe that I have quit reading my favorite work-related blogs, magazines, journals, and constant stream of email, then I have a bridge to sell you...)