Mike Smith:
Richard, how has recreational reading benefited your family, and how can we bring it back to families?

Richard Grant:
I think we can bring back recreational reading if parents understand how important reading is and how fun it is. One benefit is that reading is fun. We need fun! My wife and I have read a lot of books together, aloud. It’s kind of a really cheap date. You can get the books from the library, light some candles, and read out loud to each other. It’s fun.

Another benefit is high academics and achievement. Both our kids love to read, and they both have excelled academically. I believe a love of reading opened all kinds of opportunities for them. Learning a love of reading is key in helping your children reach their full potential.

Another benefit is that a reader can learn about other places, other cultures, even other times by reading. In my Silverglade and Goldenrod books, the reader is taken to a country filled with sailing ships and bows and arrows and horses and kingdoms. You couldn’t get there in a jet—but you can get there in a book.

You can learn values through books and also learn from other people’s mistakes and experiences. And, of course, the better you can read, the better you can understand God’s Word. That’s the greatest benefit of all.

Mike:
Thanks, Richard! I’m even tempted myself to go grab a book right now. Until next time, I’m Mike Smith.