To say that I have an enormous appreciation for books is something some would call a bit of an understatement. From the good old days of sitting on my Granny's lap while she read my nightly bible stories to roaming the aisles of bookstores when I finally had the money to stock pile on whatever novel suited my fancy, I've adored books of nearly every kind. For me it was not only the magic that could be found in the printed words, but the entire experience! Buying it from the bookstore to running home to crack it open and breath in the tantalizing scent of brand new paper and ink, I have always been entranced with all that reading could offer me. Yet, it seemed that no matter how great my own fascination was, the ever progressing wave of technology seemed to be what kept the attention of many of the kids I grew up with. While myself and a few of my fellow bookworms stayed buried in our stories, others were having their faces illuminated by an array of new mp3 players, laptops, and various gaming systems.

As I've gotten older and become a bit of a people watcher, I have come to realize that more and more of our kids are becoming part of the second group. Instead of sitting a small child down to something as simple as a picture book, it's become common place to lay a tablet or portable gaming system before them to entertain them instead. In no way do I believe we should shut our children out of the world of technology, today's society depends on technological understanding, but I do believe that allowing a flashing screen to replace books can be detrimental to both the imagination and communication. Books are portals into magnificent world, both real and fictional, and I believe that it is our responsibility as their parents, friends, and mentors to teach them how to access their greatest dreams and fantasies through reading.

My love for reading started at home, so I feel like that place of love and comfort is the perfect place to grow a new generation of bookworms. Instead of that hour of TV before bedtime, maybe break out a couple story books instead. Teach them the value in books and the rewards that can be reaped from reading. They can travel far and wide, fall in love, see through the eyes of some of the greatest minds there ever were, and this can all be done by simply opening a book. Even if you aren't all that into reading in the beginning, you may eventually find yourself falling love with the stories in the same innocent way a child does. Be a reader!