Raise a Reader
While surfing the net, I came across
an article that was entitled “Flash mobs invade parks with books”. What does it
mean? Do people go to parks and start reading out loud? Does anyone listen to
them? Are they interested? In fact, these spontaneous gatherings catch mostly
the attention of children.
The first idea that came to my mind
when I started thinking if this was possible here, in Argentina, was a
stereotyped one. Probably some people would misbehave, tear the pages when
nobody is seeing them, and even take the books home without permission. In other
words, they’d steal them. However, as I continued my reading of the article, I
realized that the program in charge of those street gatherings actually gives
the book as a present. Would this work here?
“Kids these days don’t read enough.
They definitely don’t go out enough. They don’t play
enough either.” But for the mentioning of the actual
place this type of flash mob takes place (and the language it is written in), I would have believed that quotation belonged
to someone from Argentina, or even to me. I think that it is necessary to give
books, but also to teach how to read them so as to develop our kids’ imagination
from the early stages of their life. In addition, it is compulsory to teach how
to take care of books, even if they were a gift and have cost nothing.
One of the promoters of these events believes that a good
part of building a life in a new country comes through books and reading. I
would make a further statement and say that it is a good part of building a
Life, in any country you are, whether it is your own or not. I can say that
your mind broadens when you read a book. Sometimes because it is a great piece
of art; some other times because it was not what you expected, and you become
aware of that. Nevertheless, I must say that this type of claims is only valid
when you are an avid reader, and this can happen when you raise children as
readers. It can also happen as an adult, and your reading skills are not
developed yet.
Here is the link if you want to pay
a look at the article:


First of all Fernanda I loved the picture that you posted "If you think reading is boring you're doing it wrong". It reminds me of Nadine. She says that sometimes she reads but she cannot understand a word, and the teacher says that that happens because you're not really paying attention to what you are reading.
ResponderBorrarSecond, I must admit that I love this idea of bringing reading to the community by offering books as gifts.
A secret? It's one of my not yet fulfilled wishes, to be part of an organization that promotes reading.
I loved your post Fer! I have to say that I have been a fun of reading since I was very little thanks to my parents and grandparents who always encouraged me to enter into different worlds and meet new characters. So, I’m thankful. But, unfortunately, nowadays people don’t teach their children to read and to take care of books, as you said. Now people never give books as presents! It very sad!
ResponderBorrar