I have a dirty little secret. I am a pusher. No, not drugs before you ask, books. In fact books, reading lists and the general encouragement of people to read. Here’s some classic literature, it will improve your mind, feed your soul. Going to an auction, here’s a book on current prices for first edition children’s literature. I fully appreciate that many of the people that I give books to or witter on to about my latest read, are not that interested, but maybe it will encourage a few of them to read more. I accept that my young nieces would probably rather have a pepper pig toy for Christmas than a book. Well they will get that, but also a copy of Aesop’s fables. You’ve got to start them young, especially nowadays. I even distribute reading lists to colleagues at work. They say they are interested in receiving a copy of it, although I am not sure how much of that is motivated by their desire for me to shut up and go away. The long, short and tall of it is that, I am a pusher. A book pusher. And I am proud of it.
I have just finished ‘Twenty Three Tales’ by Leo Tolstoy. A collection of short stories on a variety of subjects, aimed at a variety of people. Some were originally intended for children, but I am not sure how suitable they would be considered today. Anyway, it was a good read and now I will move on to the plays of Sophocles. I will definitely alternate that with some genre fiction. James Patterson I think.
Tell me, are you a pusher too?
Julian Froment's Blog 
Only on children. Adults never listen to me.
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Well, if we can get them young then so much the better 🙂
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Best way to go. Another good one for little kids might be Kipling’s ‘Just So Stories’.
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I am not familiar with that. I will have to check it out. Thanks for the idea Charles.
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First of all, I am never in a rush rush for you to go away and certainly never to shut up either. I am the annoying book person in my family and although they humor me, I am no fool to the looks that pass amongst them when I get started on a “book tangent” as my mum would call it.
Reading is important. I can honestly say that i have learned most everything I know between the covers (of a book I swear) that just sounds so wrong…and I am proud to be a complete geek. I suppose I am a bit of a snob but I would rather listen to the opinions of a written page than those of many people. Keep being you. I like it.
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A book tangent, I like it 🙂
Often the things that so sound so wrong can be so right…, reading is important. I guess I am a bit of a snob too, especially about the written word. Ionia, you say the nicest things to me, and I like that. You are very sweet!
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I suspect we would be a danger to the illiterate society were we together outside the blog world;)
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Possibly, but I am sure we would enjoy ourselves 😉
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Indeed the local bookshops would get rich:)
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I don’t have a problem with that. I think bookshops are a very worthy cause.
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All my nickels tend to go to books and animals. I am destined to be broke buy I feel good about it!
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There’s definitely no harm in spending your money on things that give you pleasure, as books obviously do. It is better than hoarding it for a rainy day. What animals do you fund?
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I am launching a charity this year called “habitat for homeless hounds” essentially we raise money to build emergency additions to existing shelters for animals that are homeless after natural disasters. It is a lot of work, but very rewarding
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Sounds like a worthy cause, but like you say, probably a lot of hard work. I wish you every success in your endeavour. Time for bed, it’s late here.
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Good to read this.I have to mention, while my friends like to buy make-up and clothes, I spend on books. It feels rich. My dad says, starve but don’t quit reading.
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I would have to agree with your dad. It is good to hear you are not swayed by your friends, and that books are important enough to you to allow you to rise above the inevitable peer pressure you must be subjected to. Keep buying the books, oh and you have to read them too 🙂 Thanks for commenting.
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😀
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I enjoying pushing both books and drugs in combo. Surprisingly effective at convincing people to read more 😉
Not a big fan of Tolstoy (I know, GET OUT, right?) but I like Sophocles and Aesop. I can’t speak for James Patterson but I’m certainly impressed by his ability to churn out bestsellers.
Keep on pushing,
fellow booklover, bookwriter, bookseller & bookworm
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I have to say I love Tolstoy, but each to their own. I only push the act of reading, not specific authors. Thanks for commenting and keep on pushing 🙂
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I’ve always been a book pusher 😉 I’m a middle school counselor and always asking my students what they’re reading. A few years ago we took pics of various teachers posing with their fave book and they hang in our library now. I think it’s important that kids see adults read, too. 😉
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Definitely. Kids copy adults, even though they are loath to admit it. Encouraging the young to read is important. Keep on pushing 🙂
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I think so. I always buy books as birthday presents for my friends if I can help it.
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You sound like a pusher to me 🙂
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Love this! I think book pushers are the best kind of people – I know I’m always thrilled when someone gives me a book or a strong recommendation for one.
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Thanks I am glad that you liked it. Books are such great gifts aren’t they. I tend to find I pretty much only receive books as gifts nowadays – and I am happy with that 🙂
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Push on brother.
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I’ll do my best. You are welcome to join the party 🙂
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I’m a reader…great advice!
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I think it is incumbent upon all of us readers to help ensure that the world has the opportunity to get as much pleasure from the written word that we do. Thanks for commenting.
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Love your sense of humor! Never thought about it that way, but you are right! We are all pushers of literature. LOL
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Definitely – I think it is our duty as readers and writers to push this heady drug onto others, especially the young 🙂
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