Get Caught Reading

Last year was the 10th anniversary of "Get Caught Reading". Get Caught Reading is a nationwide public service campaign to promote the joy of reading. Through celebrity involvement, the campaign carries the message that reading inspires, educates, empowers, entertains, touches the soul, sparks the imagination and opens the door to a world of opportunities and rewards.  I am a little disappointed that this year it has kind of been forgotten, all publicity on the internet deals with last year's anniversary.  Hopefully as we get into the month it will become more publicized.  

There is a great contest for kids at kids.nationalgeographic.com. The Get Caught Reading website tells us that::   "Because of research indicating that early language experience actually stimulates a child's brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school, we hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives."  So if you have children be sure to check it out.

The true theme of the month is to excite children about the joys of reading, so spend some time this month reading with your children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews.  Volunteer to read to children at a school or daycare.  Or go to the other end of the spectrum and check out local care centers or assisted living homes and bring the joy of reading back to some of the elderly who may have vision or other issues that keep them from reading.  Donate some of your old audio books to Senior Centers. 

But also remember to take time out for yourself to read and really enjoy a good book.  I know most people that read this blog are bloggers who are reading books to review them for others.  This month I challenge you to read at least 2 books just for you.  Reread an old favorite novel, go to the library and check out a book that may not have made all the best seller lists, but is one that intrigued you. Read a book by an author you don't know or never heard of, or is brand new.  Pick up a book at the bookstore because the title sounds interesting, but is not your usual genre.  Read a book just for your pure enjoyment.  You don't have to blog about it, you don't have to tell anyone.  Just sit back, relax, and enjoy, and "Get Caught Reading" for the reason we all read in the first place, because we find joy within the pages of a good book. 

If you do "Get Caught Reading", have someone snap your picture, send it to me at dollycas79@gmail.com  and I'll add it to my slide show in the sidebar. 

HAPPY READING!!!!

Note:  If you like this idea, please feel free to grab the graphic at the top and post about it on your blog.  I think it is an important message and the more publicity it gets the better. Post your own thoughts, make your own challenge or copy mine, the important thing is to get everyone reading.