Rachael Ray

I wrote a blog back in December about my struggle with my 11-year old daughter and her lack of reading for pleasure. I got a variety of great advice from readers, including: require her to read every day, lay off entirely, let her pick a book and we would read it together, and since she is attached to her iTouch, get her a Kindle or Nook. The Nook was actually the number one item on her Christmas list, but I have to say I was torn as to if we should get her one or not. Why? I wondered if she should have the luxury of new electronic “toy” if she wasn’t showing any interest in reading anyway. I wondered if she would even use it. And lastly, I worked in the publishing industry in my long ago 20’s and absolutely love books. Real books. With paper and covers that you can hold in your hand. I felt like a traitor.

So ultimately we got her the Nook and she absolutely flipped on Christmas morning. She was thrilled and activated it on the spot. She got a gift card from her uncle and asked me for some suggestions on what books she should order. I gave her a few options, but really left her to her own devices.

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Well wouldn’t you know, she has been reading at night - and during the day (!) - ever since. She is devouring The Hunger Games - a book I had tried to get her to read a year ago (probably prematurely at that point but oh well). My younger two kids actually got Nooks for Christmas as well (I guess I have completely abandoned books altogether at this point but you’ve got to roll with the changes) and the cutest scene was the day after Christmas when I walked in the living room and the three of them each had their Nooks and were sitting together, reading the same book they had each downloaded. A self-organized book club! Melted my heart. Thanks again everyone for your advice!

Plan B Mom is a mostly-stay-at-home mom of 3 who works from home but sees her main job as managing her family. When she is not taking care of her 11-year old and 9-year old girls, 8- year old son, two yellow labs, and husband - she is baking, running, carpooling, or helping with homework. She tries to stay organized to keep life running smoothly - or at least catastrophies at bay. Follow her on Twitter at @PlanBMom.