Books

Keenan,

"How many books do you think you need to read before you are considered an expert in that area? Fewer than you realize."

It isn’t the number of books you read that’s important it’s the number of good books on the subject you understand that’s reverent.

I also disagree with : "from a local college or university professor." all to many of them know nothing about the real world. My daughter just finshed Law School with "Highest Distinction" (that’s as good as it gets) and her L-3 real estate instuctor didn’t know as much as she did.

Children’s books, non-sense. To get anything out of them teach you child to read and understand them. Our daughter could read by 3. God bless that "Shaggy Baggy Elephant!

Keep bloging,

Thanks for the feedback Bill.  I've been looking for it from this site.

I agree its in the comprehension and I shouldn't assume that everybody reads with comprehension I guess.

My comment about professors reading lists was really about getting focused about a topic and they would be a resource in that.  I sense some hostility in your comments about acedemics.  Some do and some don't get the real world just as you could say some people in the real world don't have a sense of the ideal, theoretical, or acedemic.  We would all want to avoid those we didn't feel were growing us. 

It unfortunate your daughter wasn't more challenged in school by her teacher, hopefully she did learn something from that instructor.

I like what Jim Rohn says "An education will get you a job, self education will make you wealthy." 

The childrens books comment was merely a reminder that every now and then we need to reconnect with lifes core lessons.  Childrens books have lessons for child and adult alike.  I think they can aid in reconnecting to core values.  You may disagree and thats okay you are entitled to that opinion.

I'm not suggesting that reading is the only and best way to learn.

  "A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month's study of books."        -Chinese Proverb

Interesting blog. Don't forget to check out thrift stores/ garage sales for the best prices on books.

I'm a huge fan of "children's" books, particularly older books. Beatrix Potter is full of wonderful moral tales, hilariously and beautifully written. "Wind in the Willows", "Peter Pan", "Tom Sawyer" -all classic literature that can make you both laugh out loud as well as bring tears to your eyes. And yes, I read them to my children when they were 2-4. They snuggled in close to hear the adventures and enjoyed the language.  These were books I loved to read to them.

Recently gave my teenagers copies of "Think and Grow Rich".  I agree that having a book is not the same as reading it, and reading it is not the same as understanding it, and understanding it is not the same as using the knowledge. I'm hoping they understand that and will put this classic to good use.

I can live without books, either!

Terri,

You get my point totally and the books you cited are absolute classics morally and as literature.  They are fast separating themselves from the average teen and that is the best gift you could give.  Love your input thanks.