The Story

Reading That’s Fun Again

Oct. 25, 2004 | By Jen Steffensen, DSJ Staff Reporter

After two hours of monotonous history readings and statistics problem sets, I decided to take a stroll around Swem to stretch my legs and clear my mind. I found my way, haphazardly, into a cozy nook, and without resistance, plopped myself onto one of those sleep-inducing, rarely-vacant couches. But this time, my routine five minutes to unconsciousness was interrupted by one of those nasty hard-bound things that I usually spend my study breaks trying to avoid. Glaring at me from the juvenile shelf was Shel Silverstein’s book of poetry, A Light in the Attic . Ah yes, that name was familiar. I opened the book, and boom, there I was, back in Mrs. Bonedi’s second grade classroom, twirling my two blonde pigtails and listening to her recite Shel’s whimsical lines: “Hurk, hurk, what’s hurk?” she’d chime. “I don’t know, but it must be better than work.” Yes, I was still singing those lines today.

One hour later, A Light in the Attic returned to its home on the shelf, and I returned, much refreshed, to my home in front of my laptop, ready to delve back into the piles of not-so-whimsical readings.

Why do I tell you this? Well, for one, because Shel Silverstein’s poetry is quite entertaining, albeit a bit bizarre. But more importantly, because children’s books make for great study breaks, fun conversation topics, and are an all-around fabulous way to rediscover your inner-child. If you’ve gotten yourself bogged down by your piles of philosophy readings, pick up something written at a third grade reading level. You’ll be amazed at what a speedy reader you’ve instantly become.

Whether you like silly poetry, fanciful fiction, or overly-dramatic romances, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few of my suggestions:

1. Anything by Roald Dahl. My personal favorite is his hilarious two-part autobiography Boy, about his childhood years, and Going Solo, about his experiences as a fighter pilot in World War II. Since each chapter tells a unique incident in Dahl’s life, it’s great if you’re pressed for time.

2. If you enjoyed the Lord of the Rings movies or books, C.S. Lewis’ Chronicles of Narnia will take you into a new fantasy worlf of enchanted princes, a noble lion, and thrilling battles between good and evil.

3. Having trouble with your love life? Ella Enchanted by Gail Levin (which has recently been made into a movie) and Louisa May Alcott’s classic, Little Women , are two that will keep our hopeless romantics dreaming/crying for the day when their own princes will come. And if you’ve already read them, it’s even better, because you’ll quickly be able to flip to the juicy parts.

4. And for our animal lovers, Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls, and Mr. Popper’s Penguins by Richard and Florence Atwater, will be two more reasons to bemoan the no-pet dorm policy.

5. If you’re looking for some good mystery, Ellen Raskin’s The Westing Game and Avi’s True Confessions of Charlotte Doyle , will both keep you in suspense.

6. Equally lovely novels are Frances Hodgson Burnett’s classic The Secret Garden, ” Sharon Creek’s, Walk Two Moons , and Lois Lowry’s novel, The Giver .

7. Is your mind completely shot? Try a picture book. Among the best are If You Give a Mouse a Cookie by Laura Joffe Numeroff and Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.

8. Every once in awhile, we all have one of those wretched days. Judy Viorst’s illustrated story’s Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day , will help put things in perspective. And then to remotivate yourself, there’s always Watty Piper’s The Little Engine that Could .

9. If you liked Shel Silverstein, revisit the king of absurd poetry, Dr. Seuss.

10. Or, if you’re just plain sick of words, the I Spy picture-riddle books will ease your mind.

Next time you’re at Swem, don’t hesitate to check out the juvenile fiction section on the second floor. This simple study break will clear your mind, and could help you rediscover your childhood.