WHEN THE READING LIGHT WENT ON

One of the critical early memories for me was my first experience learning to read independently. I was about 4 1/2, and I read through a page of a Dr. Seuss book and it made me so proud. That sense of mastery and accomplishment is so important for kids.

I was 4 when my next brother was born, and I can remember being so proud that I could read to him when he was a little baby.

I also remember that I was a closet reader when I was growing up. After I was supposed to be in bed at night, I would go into this large closet in my bedroom, where I had a little light in a box. I’d sit in the corner hunched up against a shoe rack. At that time I was addicted to the Hardy Boys mystery series. Oftentimes I’d wake up in the morning curled up in the closet, and my wife will tell you it’s a practice I haven’t lost.

Happily I don’t do it in the closet anymore, but she often has to pry a book off my face as I’m falling asleep.