For the love of stories

Books are a big deal in our household. They are usually piled around laying on many different surfaces throughout our home. Always driving me crazy. The ones in piles are in progress because it’s no fun to read one book at a time. Therefore, we are all usually reading multiple books trying to feed our insatiable hunger for stories.

This past year has been especially fun as my daughter and I have been diligently devouring many books by our favorite authors of 2019 just as you would a favorite snack. Bite-sized and always a request for 5 more minutes or one last page. For her, it’s been all about Raina Telgemeier and for me, it’s been all about David Sedaris. A love affair of words that make us laugh out loud, running to ask each other “what’s so funny?.” 

I love hearing my daughter laugh out loud while reading as she draws similarities between herself and Raina’s characters. Raina’s words have inspired her to illustrate some of her own stories and showcase things that excite her. Something I hope she will continue to do. 

When my nose was hiding behind David’s words and laughing out loud, I felt my daughter’s kinship and joy when she would ask me (with a slight eye roll), “Oh, Mama, Are you reading David again?.”

Reading has always given us the gift of connection, togetherness, and laughter. Yet, this experience felt different, more grown-up. Giddy to know more about each other’s favorite authors prompted many conversations at our dinner table throughout the year. We were hooked on fun facts, interesting details and a desire to know more about each of them. We agreed that both Raina and David would be great dinner guests in our dreamy dinner party world.

The highlight of reading many of their books throughout 2019 was having the opportunity to meet them. In hindsight, it would seem only fitting given our complete dedication to their words throughout the year. Serendipitously, it actually happened! 

Back in June, we attended the Chicago Printers Row Lit Fest of 2019 where Raina Telgemeier gave an amazing talk on her book Share Your Smile at the Harold Washington Library. We were in awe sitting in the crowded auditorium.

My daughter was over the moon listening to Raina describe her creative process and talk more in detail about her childhood experiences. The kids couldn’t get enough of her words. Raina didn’t leave the stage until she answered every child’s question with grace and ease. She seemed to enjoy every moment of it. 

At the end of the talk, we rushed out to get our place in line so my daughter could have this special moment with someone she admired greatly. This 5 minutes meant everything to her. My heart nearly burst when it actually happened.

My opportunity came in November when my husband and I attended An Evening with David Sedaris at the Auditorium Theatre. I wasn’t sure what to expect but suspected there would be plenty of laughter to go around. He was dressed to impress in a top hat and coattails with what looked like MC Hammer pants. He’s notorious for his avant-garde fashion choices which make the readings that much more enjoyable. It was a great evening and I loved every minute of his spoken word. 

At the end of his talk, we rushed out to get our place in line so I could have my own special moment. It took me two hours of patience before I met David. He’s known for taking his time during book signings – making space for everyone. My husband had to skip out of the line to relieve our friends watching our daughter as it was so late. So he missed this magical moment…sigh!

The funny thing is I don’t remember what he asked me or what we talked about (due to my fangirl shock) but I do remember his kind smile, eagerness to connect, and the time he took to get to know a little bit more about me. Time stood still and these 5 minutes meant everything to me. Afterward, I clutched my signed book and skipped out of line just like a schoolgirl on the playground. 

In reviewing my 2019 list, I read 21 books of all genres. Yet, by far the best part was sharing this reading experience and fangirl happiness with my daughter.

I’d love to know…What were your favorite reads of 2019?

What are you looking forward to reading in 2020?