‘What an astonishing thing a book is. It’s a flat object made from a tree with flexible parts on which are imprinted lots of funny dark squiggles. But one glance at it and you’re inside the mind of another person, maybe somebody dead for thousands of years. Across the millennia, an author is speaking clearly and silently inside your head, directly to you. Writing is perhaps the greatest of human inventions, binding together people who never knew each other, citizens of distant epochs. Books break the shackles of time. A book is proof that humans are capable of working magic.”
– Carl Sagan – Cosmos, Part II: The Persistence of Memory, 1980
Thank you to beth,I didn’t have my glasses on…. for sharing this remarkable quote. Actually, remarkable is an understatement.
I think about my childhood, and how I never had the experience Carl Sagan talks about. Never. There was no ‘getting lost’ in a book. I only remember one time being in a library. My mother was a voracious reader, but she didn’t read to her children. My grandmother had a book I loved, The Five Chinese Brothers, in a drawer, and I looked at it when I visited. My first grade teacher read aloud The Little House, by Virginia Lee Burton. I remember it to this day. After that, there was no reading aloud at school. So sad. By high school, the only teacher who tried to read aloud a book to the class – Moby Dick – was a disaster. My interest in reading books stopped at this point.
The two books I read in high school on my own, after the movie, were Gone With the Wind and To Kill a Mockingbird. That was the closest I came to Carl Sagan, and it was wonderful.
College had no books that triggered a reading interest. Sad.
The ‘lightbulb moment’ happened when we moved to Massachusetts with our two young children. I took them to the library. Hooray! Our daughter spotted Jumanji, by Chris Van Allsburg and was excited, because her teacher had read aloud the book. I asked our son what book his teacher had read, and he was excited to tell me about The Runaway Bunny, by Margaret Wise Brown.
That was the start of my reading, and reading aloud. It has grown in leaps and bounds, in many ways. Thank goodness. Thank you, Carl Sagan. Yes, books are magic!
Jennie
A Teacher's Reflections 
When we find the right book, and make that connection with wonder, it truly is magical.
Yes, indeed!
Reading and books can magically allow us to escape.
Exactly!
Thank god my mother thought we should read and regularly took us to the Book Mobile. I remember checking out Horton Hears a Who. I don’t remember how many times I “read” it after my mother read it to me, but it was one of the first books I bought to read to our daughter.
Other than the various exploits of Dick and Jane, I don’t remember reading in school until junior high when book reports were being assigned. What a way to ruin an interest in reading.
Thank you for telling me all this, Dan. Lucky you! Horton Hears a Who must be near and dear to both you and Faith.
Oh, Dick and Jane… I almost mentioned this reader in my blog post. Back in the 50’s there was another choice for a reader that states could adopt – Dr. Seuss. Few states jumped on board (Vermont did), and what a shame, because all that rhyming and repetition was just the ticket to learn how to read. If I had learned with Dr. Seuss instead of Dick and Jane, I would have been a much better reader.
Yes, book reports can ruin an interest in reading!
It’s funny, Jennie. We read so many books to Faith, that she (we assumed) memorized them. One day, I brought home a new book, and she asked if she could read it to me. I told her it was new and that she had never heard the story. She asked for the book, and started reading it to me. My wife and I were shocked. We guessed that she was recognizing the words, but she was getting the inflection and punctuation correct. I think she was 3 or 4 at the time. Way before Kindergarten.
I love, LOVE that story! That’s what happens when children have been read to, and when they have books. Jim Trelease wrote about this with proof and incredible stories. You get the gold star award, Dan.
❤️ Thansk Jennie. Faith is still a voracious reader.
Of course she is. 😍
I’d say you and Beth both are pretty darn magical, Jennie. I’m with you – the quote from Sagan is a winner, winner! Sunday morning hugs to you! ❤️😊❤️
That”s so nice, Vicki. Thank you! Beth has been a role model for me since she was a teacher. Her quotes are THE best! I just had to share Sagan’s. 💕
You are both a total delight! ❤️🥰❤️
😍
They are indeed, Jennie. Happy New Year!
Yes! And Happy New Year to you, Mitch.
Loved the quote by Sagen and so true. Like you, books came later. Reading aloud was only done once and it triggered something. Mom didn’t have time. When I found a library on our base in Georgia, I walked there and read as much as possible. I couldn’t bring books home. My Oma taught me to read in German and I was hooked. (Mom never knew). My 4 bookcases are full of an eclectic collection. If there is no room for my books, I can’t live there. 🙂 I’m pretty sure I will let go of the fabric well before the books. You, reading aloud will strike the cord in each child to want more. We definitely need to clone you many times over. Beth too.
Thanks for your wonderful comment, and very kind words, Marlene. I’m glad I’m not alone being late in reading. You were lucky that your Oma taught you to read. When you say you would give away fabrics before you give away books… wow! That says it all.
I love that Carl Sagan quote as it is so true. I was lucky. My parents were poor farmers with limited education, but they read to us and encouraged reading. My teachers read to us as well. Being read to is one of my fondest memories of growing up. Once I started reading, a whole world opened up to me. I was never bored when I had a book on the go. People have often said to me, “Why do you know so much?” I answer, “Because I read.”
What a wonderful story of your childhood, Darlene. Big smiles, here. And I love the question people asked you, and of course your answer. 😀
I just took it for granted that everyone had been read to as a child. I just sent a thank you to me parents and teachers in heaven. ❤️❤️
No, and it gets more interesting. The majority of children who are not read to are from hard working class families, many of whom have a lower income. You break that mold, Darlene! On the flip side, most children who are read to are from families with a higher level of education and income. I broke that mold! I’m so glad you sent a thank you to your parents and teachers in heaven. 💕
It seems so strange to me to think of childhood without independent reading. My childhood was filled with Dr Seuss, then Nancy Drew when I was a little older, given to me and encouraged by my mother. Reading and library time was emphasized in school, and we were always taken to the town library as children so that we always had books to read. I continued this with my own children, reading to them as babies, and continuing when the Harry Potter books came out when they were older. That quote by Sagan is awesome. And how great that you turned your life’s work into reading to children.
You were lucky, Karma. I love your childhood story. I guess I can say that I was lucky to find that reading path, and make a difference with children. Yes, Sagan’s quote is so awesome!
I read and read. Sometimes my mother would tell me to stop reading and go out in the fresh air, and I would sneak a book under my shirt and go in the barn and read.
Lucky you, Don. That’s wonderful!
Me too. I recall reading while doing housework. Mom was afraid I would burn the clothes as I read while ironing! I was once reading a book that took place in Japan, Mom asked me to put the book down and set the table. I turned to her and bowed!
LOL
As they say better late than never. Thanks for sharing your story, Jennie. 😊
Yes!! You took the words right out of my mouth, John. Glad you enjoyed the story.
😀
I am gently astounded to learn that you — who are so passionate and diligent about reading aloud to others, was not read aloud to as a child. Hurrah that you discovered the power and importance of reading aloud with your own children — and now you (as a teacher) have passed this wisdom/habit/practice on to thousands of children and their families!!!
I know! People are always shocked to learn I was not a good reader, and was not read to as a child. It’s amazing what one can do when inspired, and the library with my children inspired me. From that point on, everything grew with reading aloud. I am humbled to think how many young children I’ve introduced to the love of books and reading. Thank you for your wonderful comment and kind words, Will!
Fascinating story! We all discover books in our own way – or sadly, never do….but I did at an early age and never let go of that passion…magic on every page…so happy that my two grandkids are voracious readers as well!
I’m so glad your grandchildren are voracious readers! And, you discovered books and reading as a child, too. Wonderful! Yes, we all discover books in our own way, or at different times. As the saying goes, ‘better late than never.’ There is definitely magic on every page. Thanks for reading and commenting, John.
Love that backstory. How many of us are like that, Jennie.
Thank you, Jacqui. I think many of us are like that.
My feelings exactly, about the decline in reading and the lack of interesting reading at the university level.
Exactly! The former head of the English Department at the prep school (high school) in our town talked with me about reading to her high school senior class. She was appalled that the students were not well read, so she read aloud to them every day. In her words to her students before reading, ‘lights out, heads down.’ That’s the same thing I do with my preschoolers before chapter reading. We both smiled!
Keep up the good work, Jennie.
Will do!
Jennie, your love of reading and sharing the magic seems such an innate part of who you are that I am astonished that this wasn’t fostered and developed at a young age. How wonderful that through your daughters the wonder of books came to you and yes, Carl Sagan write so beautifully about the magic of books and I love losing myself in them!
Everyone is shocked to learn that I was not a reader and was not read to as a child. It is inspiring to know that anything can happen and things can change. Carl Sagan is one of the best, and his writing about the magic of books blew me away!
I had no idea that you didn’t grow up with a love of books from an early age!
I know, it’s a shocker. I know for sure if I had grown up with Dr. Seuss as a learn to read in school, instead of Dick and Jane, I would have been a better reader and embraced books, in spite of my lack of being read to. Unfortunately on a few states adopted Dr. Seuss instead of Dick and Jane. Vermont did!! All that rhyme and repetition is what children need. Still, I found a way, and it is what I do best.
I hated Dick and Jane! Luckily, my mother gave me her old copy of Winnie the Pooh, and I learned to read with Pooh Bear. (Asking my mother “What’s this word?” constantly.)
I’m so glad you hated Dick and Jane! But, were you living in Vermont as a child? You should have had Dr. Seuss as your reader. Learning to read with Winnie Pooh must have been wonderful.
When I was in first grade, we lived in Edgartown, Mass.
That’s why you had Dick and Jane. Thanks, Liz.
I had never read that wonderful Carl Sagan quote until I saw Beth’s post as well.
I would have never guessed that you had such a late start with reading, given how it is such an integral part of everything you do now.
I was lucky, I grow up reading the Hardy Boys books. The first “big” book I can remember reading simply for enjoyment was The Caine Mutiny, probably in my mid to late teens.
My wife is a voracious reader, and she has passed this love of reading down to our three boys…
I had never read that quote, either. I felt like a wave of electricity went over me. I know, most people are shocked to know I was a late reader. Better late than never, right? Yes, you were lucky. The Hardy Boys was a great series. You read The Caine Mutiny for pleasure? You and Hubby! I’m not surprised that your wife (and you) have passed the love of reading to your children. That’s wonderful. Best to you, Jim.
As I get closer to retirement, many people are asking me what my plans are. One of my first responses is always “more reading”!
Mine, too!
That’s a great quote from Mr Sagan, and always good to see again. The story of your early years of reading came as a surprise, as I had always thought you were an avid bookworm from a very early age. You have more than made up for it since! 😊
Best wishes, Pete.
Most people are surprised to know I struggled with reading, and was not read to as a child. I’m proud of how far I have come. Thank you, Pete.
I liked that quote on Beth’s site as well, Jennie. Books really are magical if you think about it. It’s just sitting there…you pick it up…and away you go. It’s like having a time machine just laying about, and you step into another dimension or universe at your leisure. I too was a little surprised to hear about your early years not featuring books. Mine did, and while I don’t read nearly as much as I used to, I still love the internal and external feel of a physical book in my hands…and in my head!
Bruce, you described the magic of books perfectly. I wish everyone could experience stepping into another universe. I think that’s what drives me, giving children a door to open so they can have that experience. Even if it came late for me… it came, and that’s what matters.
Yes, books are magic, and I was lucky enough to have parents who loved books and libraries!
Yes, and yes! Thank you, Cathy.
In my 67th year, I read more books than at any other point in my life. They’re still magical, allowing our imaginations to run wild.
That is just wonderful Pete! Magic is timeless.
oh, Jennie, what a reading journey you have taken. from practically nothing to a dedicated reader and writer with children and follower of authors and everything to do with books. books really do work their magic on us. I’m going to recommend a novel to you that you may have read that deals with this by author pat conroy, who wrote the prince of tides and the great santini, among other amazing books. this books is called, ‘my reading life’ and is his memoir. he said it saved his life. he had a very difficult childhood as you’ll gather from reading his other books, (the great santini was about this father), and they were his refuge and guided him into his life’s work.
Beth, I had no idea that Sagan’s quote would open the door to tell my story of books and reading, but it did. What a journey it has been, and I honestly think Carl Sagan is smiling up there. Thank you for recommending Pat Conroy’s book. I just ordered it on Amazon.
you never know what will lead us down a path, and I loved your story. I’m sure he is smiling up there. please let me know what you think of pat’s book after you read it, it is very moving. he said books saved his life in some ways
Yes, you never know! I’m glad you liked my story, and I absolutely think Carl Sagan is smiling. The book arrives this week, but it may be February vacation week before I get to read it. I’m excited, and I’ll definitely let you know what I think. Reading saving his life sounds a little like mine.
Books break the shackles of time. But they do so by being humble. Tree turned to paper. Ink turned to shape. Lives turned to sentences. That is the quiet alchemy. Not spectacle. Not perfection. Just a simple, faithful practice of returning to the page, again and again, trusting that what is plain and mundane can suddenly open and say, Here I Am! Thank you for sharing!
Well said, and thank you.
Love your reading journey, Jennie. I grew up in a house with zero books! And here I am. 🧡
Debby, you’re first blogger who can relate to zero books. Hooray, I’m not alone! And, both of us have embraced reading and books with a passion. 😍
Go figure. Look at us now! Lol 💜
Exactly!!! 🎉 😍
Amazing back story of your history with books/reading/upbringing. hugs
Thanks, Laura. Who knew I was a poor reader, didn’t go to a library, and was never read to, right? Thanks, and hugs!
I have such fond memories of my dad reading me stories aloud, and of my mom making up stories (with rhymes!) on the spot. I’m so grateful to them for giving me the written word.
How wonderful!
I love Sagan’s quote, Jennie. Isn’t that magical! I love books, and I know you do too. Apparently, so did Carl Sagan. ❤
Yes, all the way around! Really wonderful!
That’s a wonderful quote! I like him and his work. I’m also a big Sci-fi and Space fan.
My mother was also an avid reader but, she didn’t read out loud to us kids that I can remember. She did take us to the library every week to refill hers and our stacks of reading materials though. I loved the library, but hated reading staring in middle school. School sucked the joy of reading for me by always having to analyze the books and write reports. I just wanted to read a book enjoy it or not and move on to the next book.
I discovered the joy of reading again when I was 19 out on my own sans a T.V. I found the joy of the library again as well. When I became a Mom I read to my babies, and kids into their young teen years. We were at the library every week their whole childhood. Summer nights were their favorite times for me read out loud chapter books. That got started one summer when they were up late drawing or something and on a whim I pulled out James and the Giant Peach and began reading it out loud. They groaned at first but, sooner than I expected they didn’t want me to stop reading.
Thanks for this post. I hadn’t thought about reading summer nights in a long time. This afternoon I’ll be in outer space dodging bad guys and trying to save Earth from the bad guys reading book 7 of Joshua Dazelle’s Terran Scout Fleet series, and then I’ll spend some time in the late 1800’s NYC with the old money trying to deal with the new money and all those prejudices. That book is Our Kind of People by Carol Wallace. Here’s to reading many good books in 2026! 🥰
Deborah! What a wonderful story. I loved reading about your reading journey. Hey, I’m not the only person with a mother who was a voracious reader, but never read to her children. School definitely sucks the joy out of reading when you have to write book reports. It was a big turn off for me, too.
And then you found books and reading, and started going to the library with your children. That was the best for me, too. You started to read aloud James and the Giant Peach to your kids, and I started to read aloud Little House in the Big Woods. The rest is history, right? We were lucky to find books and share them with our children.
Enjoy outer space and saving the earth, and traveling back to the 1800’s. Carl Sagan was right, reading is magic. 😍
Oh what joy books bring to our imagination Jennie.. I think I have told you this before, but the book that inspired me was when my teacher read out The Borrowers by Mary Norton. 🙂 I never looked at our floorboards the same after that 🙂 haha. xx
I love that story! The fact that you vividly remember the teacher reading aloud the book says it all to the power of reading. Carl Sagan was right, books are magic.