Bookseller Peter Glassman from Books of Wonder in NYC shared this gem of advice on The Illustration Department Podcast, for people who are lucky enough to find themselves parents of readers:
“If you start talking with your kids about the books they read, when they’re still talking to you, that’s something they’ll continue to talk to you about when they stop telling you about what’s going on in their inner lives. And you’ll learn what they’re thinking by discussing the books with them. It is one of the few things that kids, even teens, are happy to talk about if they’re readers. Even with parents.”
I find this helpful advice for adult relationships, too! As a socially anxious person, in situations where I have to make dreaded small talk, it’s a great conversation starter. Ask anyone about what they’re reading (watching, or listening to) and you’ll get a glimpse into their world. (Even “I haven’t had time to read lately” can be a useful opening into conversations about what’s been going on.)
Stories are human connectors ~ ways to share curiosities, process hurts, find new ways of understanding, create bonds. (They can even fuel life-changing future projects!)
They can also be, T R U L Y, just for fun and joy and pleasure.
Visit my books at https://wheelerstudio.com/books/
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