Until recently, I thought I was an avid reader. I'm always reading and share books with my students. I'm part of several book groups on Social Media including the #WeCantPutBooksDown crew and loyal follower of The Nerdy Book Club. Yet, my reading life was still missing something.
As I became part of my first book club since circa 2008, I realize now I was missing my tribe. I was alone out there reading and sharing books. But like Brain in Hatchet, I was sending out all my thoughts and ideas out into a dark woods. I'd get feedback and share but I wasn't part of something bigger, something better until #GetBooked.
Just look at all our buzz surrounding Kwame Alexander's upcoming novel Booked....
Although, I've been part of many reading groups and book clubs. I know these people are my tribe. I can't thank Stacey, Beth, Scott, Kristen, Jimmy, and Nicole for making my reading life
Its hard to put into words the feeling you feel when we find a group of people that share your passion and love for reading. You feel like you fit in and that your ideas matter. I know as a teacher, I'm always putting my students first. This time, they suffered because I was not my best reader. I needed my tribe to find my voice.
Why do reading communities matter?
1. They give us an outlet for sharing and collaborating.
2. They create friendships and a support network for before, during, or after reading.
3. Reading communities help us make plans for what to read next and set a purpose for reading.
4. Provide you with some energy and renewed enthusiasm for reading.
5. Model real life reading habits and practices to your students.
6. You know you have a place to rant, rave, or cry depending on the novel.
7. Book talks and excitement surrounding reading.
8. Helps you find your voice. {Thank you Voxer!}
9. Communities make us feel connected to the books, each other & the world.
10. You feel like your thoughts and ideas matter. #AllYouNeedIsLove
Happy Reading,
