#SOL16 Day 8
I know many of you are like me. You have TBR (to be read) piles all about your house. I have one on my bed stand, one in my ‘office’, and another in the living room. They never seem to shrink because for each that I read and remove, another one or two seem to layer the pile.
Sometimes I look at them almost apologetically. “Sorry, I was going to read you next, but then this ARC came in the mail.” “I know you were on top, but Mr. Schu was just raving about this one.” They just stoically sit there. No hint of animosity or jealousy. Just one more reason why books make such great friends.
A few weeks ago Keisha*, a 5th grader who loves talking about books with me asked, “Mrs. Bourque, what book should I read next? What book do you really like?” Now there are nearly a bajillion books I’ve read that I really like, but I immediately thought of my self at her age. “You know what book I read over and over when I was in elementary school? I loved this book so much.” I grabbed a copy of Island of the Blue Dolphins. “This was based on a true story and I just thought she was such a brave girl. I probably read it six times. I wonder what you would think of it.” Keisha hugged the book and headed back to her seat.
Last week Keisha came up to me with the book in her hands. “I didn’t get a chance to read it. I had this other book I was reading. Sorry.” I know she felt like she had disappointed me. “You don’t need to be sorry. That book isn’t going anywhere. Anytime you feel like reading it, it’ll be waiting for you. Books are so patient.”
She giggled. “Oh yeah? Cool!”
And another reading life keeps blooming.
litcoachlady 
I smiled when I read this. I can completely relate. I have piles and piles of TBR books, both at home and at work. While my stack of professional books TBR is dwindling, my personal stack has been ignored. Thanks for the reminder that books are patient.
Love this idea of books being patient… I have piles all over the house as well. I never think about them in that way before. It is nice to know they will always be there… waiting for me. Shifts the feeling from stress to comfort…. thank you!
Clare
That’s the exact feeling I wanted my student to switch to!
Thank goodness books are so patient. In addition to my many TBR piles, I have a tendency to try to read too many books at a time, which makes it difficult to ever finish one.
Love this blog and the words you gave to your student that books are patient. I am afraid some on my pile might never be read, though TBR that never get read. That is ok too.
Those books will still love you whenever you get to them!
So true. As I say this, I think of the stack of books in my office – patiently waiting for me, of course.
What a great model you are for your students!! Keep building those stacks!