RAR #12: The Reading Promise
Alice Ozma is the author of The Reading Promise: My Father and the Books We Shared. If you read nothing else this year, read this book. I mean it.
I swallowed it and immediately knew I had to have Alice on the show. The book is moving, funny, heart-wrenching, and is a big huge kick in the pants. There is no way you can finish it without being completely motivated to read read read to your kids.
In this episode, you’ll hear:
- the power of reading aloud every single day for eight years
- how it formed a bond between her father and herself
- how you can work in reading aloud into the smallest spaces of your day (or night!)
Click that play button below to hear the podcast!
Books from this episode:
(All links are affiliate links.)
Links from this episode:
- Make a Reading Promise — Alice’s website
- You can get Alice’s book at Barnes and Noble, Amazon, or find it locally at IndieBound.
- There’s an audio version of the book (read by Alice!) at Audible.
I have listened to everyone single one of the podcasts from the beginning and have LOVED them. After this episode two years ago, I absolutely read The Reading Promise and my family is close to hitting day 500 of our reading streak. We have 6 kids and one on the way. There have been times when we had to face time a child if they were gone, one of my kids had emergency surgery in February and was in the hospital for a few days when he awoke from his surgery he asked about reading! I remember Alice and her dad shared the series The Wonderful Wizard of Oz and it was one of their favorites. I am wanting to buy the series for one of my children for her upcoming 13th birthday. Do you have a certain edition you recommend? I see that there are multiple. I am looking for a original edition. Thank you!
I don’t have a favorite edition. Such a fun series- great gift idea! :)
It arrived! And oh, how I loved reading it. In so many ways, Alice Ozma’s dad reminded me of my dad (though he has his own brand of quirkiness, of course :) But so many of the things that Alice’s dad did struck me as just the sort of thing my dad would do), and I loved her very eloquent look at their life together.
Also, I love your podcast so much that I reviewed it on my blog. I found myself wanting to quote it so often and urging it so aggressively upon my friends that I decided it might help to have a full write-up of why, exactly, I love Read Aloud Revival :)
I loved this interview so much that I bought a copy of Alice’s book before the episode finished (in fact, I may have only been five minutes in–your case for it was that compelling) :)
I was particularly struck by the fact that Alice Ozma won writing contest after writing contest before finally landing a book deal while still in college, and she as surprised as anyone else by her success. And it occurred to me: how could she not be an author to whom language comes so naturally when her father took the time to read to her every night?
And now, I can’t wait to read my copy of her book! When, oh when, will it be here?
Dear Sarah. We’ve been homeschooling for twenty four years, and have about ten more to go… I’ve said it again and again and AGAIN, reading aloud is the heart of education. It realized all my dreams of “family centered education.” Whatever I did, whatever the older children did on their own, we always came back to center on reading together and the ensuing discussion that was the heart of my children’s education. My adult children refer to this as being the greatest gift I gave them. Beautiful.
http://www.ohthatssimple.com/homeschooling-with-joy.html
This podcast was encouraging! I’ve always been an advocate for reading aloud, but I have to admit now that I have my own kids I realize it is not always easy to make the time. I love listening to all these podcast to keep me motivated to make time for this important part of family life and home school.
Wow, just when I thought I couldn’t love your podcast any more! I ordered her book before I was even done listening, and I’m not an impulse purchaser. I’d love to hear an interview with Alice’s dad! Thank you so much for an uplifting break in my day!
Hi! I just discovered your blog today from reading about your podcast over at The Practicing Catholic. I am so, so excited to look around your blog! Your love of books very much speaks to my booklovin’ soul!! :)
Welcome, Virginia! It’s so nice to “meet” you. :)
I went immediately to the library and checked this book out after hearing the podcast. It was, by far, the best book I have read this year. I will be buying it. :)
THANK YOU!!!
Okay, 10 minutes. My husband can definitely read for 10 minutes without falling asleep.
Already got the book. Can’t wait to read it. Brava, Sarah.
This was simply wonderful to listen to! I enjoyed every minute of it. I’ve had “The Reading Promise” on my to-read list for a couple of years (I can’t even remember now what prompted me to put it there), but you can bet it’s now moving to the top of the list. I was truly inspired by the things Alice had to say.
And speaking of inspiration, I am absolutely LOVING the Read-Aloud Revival podcast. I mean, LOVING IT. I found it a few weeks ago linked on The Art of Simple and have been devouring the episodes ever since. It embodies everything I believe and practice about reading. If I listen to an episode in the evenings, I literally cannot fall asleep afterwards because I am so pumped and excited (this happened after I listened to Ken Ludwig’s episode–I was ready to wake up my children and begin learning Shakespeare right then and there!).
Anyway, thank you for highlighting and showcasing one of my very favorite traditions. You can count me as a loyal listener!
This is my favorite comment in the history of the universe. I’m just sayin’.
:)
I’m listening to this on the eve of the 5th anniversary of my father’s death. Your chat truly is a gift in so many ways that I simply can’t articulate right now. Keep up the great work, Sarah. I’m really enjoying your blog, book, and podcasts.
Thank you, Lisa. I’m praying for you!
I read this book a couple of years ago and it earned a place in my “keep” bookshelf. Can’t wait to listen!
Oooh. Good rec. Not very many books stay with me (heavy library user over here) but if they’re that good to earn precious bookcase real estate, I definitely want to read it.
Sarah M