Children and adults miss time with their friends during this time of coronavirus. We yearn for the people, places, and experiences that constitute our ‘normal’ – outings, special events, and just getting together at each other’s homes. In the midst of this isolation, who wouldn’t jump at the chance to reconnect with old friends in a familiar setting with predictable outcomes?
My family is finding different ways to fill the gaps in our lives. One thing we’re doing is reading more.
Our public library is closed and likely to remain so for a while. In the interim, we’ve been re-reading some favorite books we’ve saved over the years. It’s not the first time these books have been re-read. We all indulge in occasional re-reads as a chance to revisit people and places we know. To enjoy them again with the added bonus of knowing how things turn out, as opposed to, for example, current events.
Some books read very differently in light of coronavirus. The other day, I found this book tucked away from the boys’ early elementary days.
“Hero Over Here” is a historical fiction short chapter book set during the Spanish Flu. Ten years ago, this was an engaging story. It helped us learn about what, at that time, was an often overlooked chapter in history. Today, it reads very differently.
I would not recommend this as a first-time read for young kids right now. However, if you’ve read it before, I’d suggest looking through it again. You’ll see it from a different perspective today. The hardships and loss hit much closer to home and, although it ends well, the story is much more poignant this time around.
I admit to a preference for happy endings. If not happy, then hopeful. I have a hard time reading anything depressing. In my opinion, real life dishes up enough bad stories.
Of course, I do think it’s important to read historical non-fiction. We read and study history to gain perspective and experience from others’ mistakes and triumphs. By studying the past, we hope to learn and do better as people, communities, and countries.
But now – in this time of coronavirus – I’d encourage you and your kids to take some time to escape and reconnect with old friends by re-reading books.
The world will still be here when you return from your ‘visit’. And hopefully, that connection with familiar people, places, and outcomes will rejuvenate you, make you smile, and help you stay in good health.
