Children of the Book: A Memoir of Reading Together

I love books. I love books about books. I loved reading to my son when he was little. I loved listening as he read to me when he began learning to read. So, reading a book written by someone who also loved books and reading to her children. Children of the Book: A Memoir of Reading Together is a memoir written by Ilana Kurshan, anAmerican-Israeli author, was quite enjoyable. Ilana Kurshan is a mother of five who read to her children from the time they were born. She tells how she balanced her lifetime love of literature with parenting. In this book she talks of the books she read to them and how she discussed the lessons in the books with her children. I also enjoyed how she talked about culture and how reading books such as Little Women to her children in Jerusalem was a lovely and enjoyable experience. How she knew her children would not understand what it is like to live in the New England states, the seasons, etc. But that they could relate to a book such as Little Women and how it explores sibling relationships, following your dreams, the importance of family, love, generosity, the importance of the arts and creativity.

In this book she discusses the Torah -the Five Books of Moses. She talks of storytelling, of family stories, of religious stories and practices. She talks of love of literature, love of secular and sacred reading. You do not need to be Jewish to enjoy this book. Bible readers may also be able to relate as well. One important thing I enjoyed was how she wanted her children to be open to all kinds of books – fiction, nonfiction, secular, etc.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.