These days it seems everybody has a book group.  Libraries run book groups.  Work places have book groups.  One of the blogs I read has an online book group. Whether most of the time is spent truly discussing the book or drinking wine and chitchatting, depends on the group. While I enjoy the wine centric book group, it is not in the cards for me right now.

I decided to combine my love of books and love of family by starting an online book group with my three sons.  We take turns choosing a title.  The person who chooses the title circulates some questions. Their responses are fascinating to me.  It is a remarkable opportunity to stay in touch and provides an intriguing window into their minds and can lead to some interesting discussions.  While my youngest and I were reflecting on “why” he reads, Adam shared the following:

            “Essentially, other people see the world differently. New books can add new understanding to how we see the world. Our old narratives don’t fit the new information, so we have to accommodate new perspectives.”

While Mr. Smith and I did endeavor to raise our sons with core values, we don’t want them to be resistant to change and growth.  We want them to have interesting and diverse lives.  

Aren’t we lucky to live where we can read books that can take us beyond our everyday lives and see life from someone else’s perspective?  Thanks libraries!  And thanks to my sons for indulging their empty nest mother.

I would love to hear from you what you are reading or why you read.

C’est la vie…