Showing posts with label books. Show all posts
Showing posts with label books. Show all posts

Tuesday, 29 December 2020

Children’s books to get your little ones into reading

 

Being parents, we always want to get the best for our kids. Be it the best home, the best happiness, or the best education, we strive to take care of them and ready them for the future. We teach them various mannerisms, cultures and literature. If you really want to teach your kids literature, then having them read is the best way possible, notes John F Eilermann. Here are some books to get them into reading! John Eilermann St. Louis

Image source: Read to Them


Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

This children’s classic follows the story of a young boy named Charlie who gets lucky and lands himself a golden ticket to Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory. The tour also gives all the participants a chance to inherit Wonka’s massive wealth. With its fun descriptions, amazing artwork, and even an accompanying movie classic, this kids’ book will be a game changer in your child’s life. John F Eilermann notes that it appeals to all ages as well, with its underlying tones of capitalism, politics and corruption in the form of wealthy, spoiled kids for you to interpret and enjoy. John Eilermann St. Louis

Image source: Disney Movies

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

Another classic from C.S. Lewis, this book follows a group of teenagers who accidently find a wardrobe which transports them to Narnia, a fantasy land with talking lions, evil witches and many more. John Eilermann St. Louis. As they travel the lands they encounter a wise lion that guides them through their adventures. This book has more creativity put into it while symbolism is still apparent for the parents to enjoy. If you’re kid is into fantasy, then this book is definitely for him! John Eilermann St. Louis .







Friday, 28 August 2020

Six books that are perfect for beginning readers

 

Reading is a great way to have one's mind open to different cultures, worlds, and languages. Not everyone has the privilege of developing good reading habits from childhood, which may become a disadvantage when a person enters adulthood. Here are six books every beginning reader should have on their list. John Eilermann St. Louis. 

Image source: seeouterspace.com

Image source: macmillan.com  


"Charlotte's Web" by E.B. White is an incredibly crafted novel that fits all age groups. Part of most school curricula, "Charlotte's Web" is a beloved classic with principles children can carry throughout their adulthood. "Meiko and the Fifth Treasure" by Eleanor Coerr is not exactly a popular choice. However, it does teach beginning readers a few things about Japan and its culture. John Eilermann St. Louis.

"Peter Pan" by J.M. Barrie is popular among people of all ages for its familiar story. While aimed at kids, the book still captures and recaptures the hearts of adults. It's a true testament to the belief that reading is a means to travel. "The Old Man and the Sea" by Ernest Hemmingway is a school staple that almost all English speakers have read it. Reasonably short, the classic inspires readers to grab a dictionary as it has a challenging vocabulary. John Eilermann St. Louis.

"A Wrinkle in Time" written by Madeline L'Engle is yet another classic that is easily a part of every early reader's life. The novel is composed of short and long sentences, engaging readers and letting them rest at times—great for pacing. Lois Lowry's "The Giver" has an easy-to-understand vocabulary and is free of confusion. With those qualities, the long novel can be finished in a breeze. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Saturday, 28 March 2020

Improve reading speed with these techniques

John Eilermann St. Louis. Choosing a college major or deciding on a career path can be unnerving. In making a choice, it's important to consider one's skills and passions. Check out these career options for those who enjoy the company of books and understand the value of the written word. English Literature John Eilermann St. Louis. There are many things one can do with an English Lit degree. They can go into teaching, creative writing, publishing, and even law. One's love for reading will surely be encouraged here as students will get the chance to read and examine essential and contemporary works that have shaped literature.

Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com
Creative Writing


Most readers also enjoy sharing their thoughts through writing. For those who want to make a career out of being a writer, this is the perfect opportunity for them to keep reading while they develop their skills. Choosing this path will also allow them to study under the mentorship of published writers who can help them get their start in the industry. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Linguistics

Those who love reading can also be good at learning languages. Linguistics also involves the structures and other aspects involving language, such as societal and psychological factors. Avid readers will surely enjoy going beyond the literal layer of language. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Journalism

This is another career that avid readers can pursue. At the heart of good journalism is captivating storytelling, something that avid readers have encountered many times. Voracious readers might have a gift for gathering and publishing vital information on relevant events that will benefit the public.

Friday, 27 March 2020

Improve reading speed with these techniques

John Eilermann St. Louis. Choosing a college major or deciding on a career path can be unnerving. In making a choice, it's important to consider one's skills and passions. Check out these career options for those who enjoy the company of books and understand the value of the written word.
Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com 
English Literature

John Eilermann St. Louis. There are many things one can do with an English Lit degree. They can go into teaching, creative writing, publishing, and even law. One's love for reading will surely be encouraged here as students will get the chance to read and examine essential and contemporary works that have shaped literature.

Creative Writing

Most readers also enjoy sharing their thoughts through writing. For those who want to make a career out of being a writer, this is the perfect opportunity for them to keep reading while they develop their skills. Choosing this path will also allow them to study under the mentorship of published writers who can help them get their start in the industry. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Linguistics

Those who love reading can also be good at learning languages. Linguistics also involves the structures and other aspects involving language, such as societal and psychological factors. Avid readers will surely enjoy going beyond the literal layer of language. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Journalism

This is another career that avid readers can pursue. At the heart of good journalism is captivating storytelling, something that avid readers have encountered many times. Voracious readers might have a gift for gathering and publishing vital information on relevant events that will benefit the public.

Tuesday, 25 February 2020

Five ways busy people find time to read

John Eilermann St. Louis. Many of the busiest and most successful individuals consider reading as one of their favorite things to learn and unwind. Reading helps develop creativity, understanding complex ideas, and encourages problem-solving. Whether one does it to relax or to stimulate the brain, reading will always be beneficial.

Image source: writingcooperative.com

Image source: newrepublic.com
One way to be intentional about reading is to set a goal per reading session. This builds the habit of reading and challenges one to do more each time they read. Think of reading as a muscle in the body that one has to train for it to get stronger and better. Read more than one book at a time. A person’s reading appetite may be different from day-to-day. For long flights, grab a book that’s a bit challenging. Waiting at the doctor’s clinic may require a book that’s easy to read. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Speed reading is perfect for individuals who are always on-the-go. Although it takes a lot of practice to remember and comprehend what’s being read. Read across all devices. Choose to consume information through reading. Get the latest news from trusted news sites and catch lifestyle articles online. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Read before hitting the sack and have books and a lamp by the bedside. Many people would say reading makes them fall asleep faster. However, it’s best to read a physical book than read from a device to help with sleeping, as devices have a blue light that tricks the brain into thinking it’s still daytime. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Wednesday, 22 January 2020

Show off and maintain a book collection with these storage ideas

John Eilermann St. Louis. Whether it's a to-be-read pile or a stack of well-loved works, it's always better for books to be stored or displayed in a way that will maintain its quality for a long time. Aside from the tried and tested bookcase, here are some interesting storage ideas for displaying a wide collection of books.
Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com
Place books on ledges: Some places in the house may have empty ledges. It can mostly be found in the staircase or walls. These spaces can be good places to display books especially if this part seems to make a part of the house look dull. A staircase ledge can also serve as a good bookshelf as it can save space while keeping the books safe and dry. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Put them under the bench: Instead of putting random clutter under the bench, why not put books? This will make parts of the house look more organized. It can also turn a drab-looking area in the house look more attractive. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Store them in wheeled carts: This could be a good idea for those with young readers in the house. Keeping books in wheeled carts will allow them to move their stack around easily. This setup is also good for those who want to keep a small collection of books in a cozy, hidden nook in the house. John Eilermann St. Louis.

When displaying books, it’s important to remember to place them in dry and pest-free areas. They should also be stacked far from windows as sunlight, and outside elements could further cause damage on the cover and pages.

Thursday, 12 December 2019

Three practical ways to read more books

John Eilermann St. Louis. Reading is a great way to sharpen the mind. Whether it's fiction, nonfiction, or poetry, immersing in literature facilitates learning. Reading can also provide entertainment with narratives that genuinely connect with one's humanity. Here are some tips that can motivate a person to finish more books.

Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com
Set aside time for reading
John Eilermann St. Louis
. For many people, if it's not part of their schedule, it doesn't matter. Setting aside at least half an hour for reading will help a person focus and understand the content. Making reading part of the day can help build the habit. For those who are on their way to becoming regular readers, setting aside some time will help them finish the books on their list.

Consume books in different formats
John Eilermann St. Louis. These days, aside from print, books can come in the form of audiobooks and e-books. Those who want to read more books in a given time will find audiobooks and e-books a convenient solution. Some listen to audiobooks during their commute or while driving. Others have copies of their e-books on their gadgets that they can easily pick-up during their downtime. If print books are too inconvenient to carry, there are other options people can consume.

Have a list

John Eilermann St. Louis. The list can have 10 or a hundred books in it. What's important is the person finds the books interesting enough to spend hours on. Visiting bookshops, asking recommendations from friends, or reading reviews from trusted sources can help in curating this list. In this day and age, one doesn't have to spend too much money on a book. Having a library membership, buying e-book versions, borrowing copies from friends, and other options will help a person read the books on their list without overspending. With these options, they can proceed to the next great read without waiting too long. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Tuesday, 20 August 2019

Improve reading habit with these techniques

More books, please -- John Eilermann St. Louis

Image source: Pexels.com

Image source: Pexels.com
For people who want to write more, one advice they would often get is for them to read more. Reading, after all, not only improves one’s language and grammar but can also boost imagination, which is a crucial part of writing. And while it is alright to take a break from reading occasionally, neglecting the habit can be costly for writers.

For writers who want to boost their reading habits, here are three techniques that can help them devour more books. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Set a reading goal: A good start in the quest to read more is to set a goal. An example of a goal is reading a genre outside one’s comfort zone. Or perhaps make a monthly list of books to read.

For those who want to be reminded of their goal and keep track of their progress, Goodreads is a good platform to use. Goodreads also offers recommendations and reviews. John Eilermann St. Louis. .


Try audiobooks and e-books: While nothing beats the tactile sensation of holding a book and curling up in a comfy seat, for some people, e-books are the way to go. Others meanwhile enjoy listening to audiobooks while driving. For those who are not into taking their books outside of their homes for reading, they can download e-book and audiobook apps that can help them finish some reading.
Read and enjoy: It is important to remember that when reading, do so not to impress others. One may just end up stress even after fulfilling their reading goals if their intention is to only impress others. One needs to pick a book they genuinely like to make it easier for them to keep on reading. John Eilermann St. Louis.

Wednesday, 5 December 2018

What parents need to know about young adult lit

Image source: YouTube.

If you’re a parent and you have teenagers in your home, there’s a big chance you’ve seen a young adult novel lying in their room. Young adult (YA) literature has experienced quite a rise in popularity over the past two decades largely thanks to the massive success of the Harry Potter books. Many of the YA series have made their way to the big screen, with again, Harry Potter being the most popular of them all.


Although the YA category has only been labeled recently, there have always been books about teenagers, written for teenagers, or young adults. Books such as “The Catcher in the Rye” and “Lord of the Flies” have teen protagonists but were never called YA until many years later.


Image source: ReelRundown.com  
YA books follow a specific formula, with a main teen character, taking on challenges that teens mostly face. They are mostly about coming-of-age, where one is introduced to the world of adults. This introduction mostly takes place via an experience that seems almost ritualistic. Sex, race, politics, and religion also figure into YA lit.


It’s also worthy of note how YA lit treats adults as background characters, and many times, as the antagonists. The spotlight in YA lit is entirely on teens who are almost always struggling with emotions and ideas.


Hello, I’m John Eilermann, a St. Louis, Missouri-based student currently pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. The cross-disciplinary approach of the program enables students to take courses in philosophy, politics, and culture, while intersecting literature with history. More of my writings here.

Monday, 12 November 2018

Improve your vocabulary with these tricks

Image source: Pexels.com

Having a rich vocabulary can help you convey your thoughts and feelings more specifically. Instead of saying, "I'm fine" or "it's bad", you'll be able to give more meaning to your experience. If you want to develop how you gather new words, here are some simple tricks to ensure your learning:


Learn one new word everyday

Imagine adding more than 300 words to your vocabulary bank each year. That's a lot! If you're always online, you can subscribe to dictionary apps or sites that will deliver your word of the day. Before you know it, you'll be using these words in your daily conversations and even in your writing.


Read and write

I grew up highlighting unfamiliar words on paperbacks. Why some wouldn't appreciate marks on their books, this helped me remember new additions to my word bank. To take it a step further, after finding out the meaning, I would write five sentences to ensure that I fully understood what I just learned. These days I'm grateful for e-book readers because the built-in dictionary can instantly provide the meaning to a new word with just one long click.

Image source: Pexels.com

Play word games

Playing Scrabble, Word Factory, or Wordscapes are great ways to remind us of words we know but don't really use daily. Of course, there are other games that will test your vocabulary and lead to new discoveries. But aside from jolting your memory, seeing a word while playing will lead to a discussion with friends and you'll end up using these answers in conversations. Personally, these games are the most entertaining way for me to lengthen my word list.


Learning new words doesn't need to be exhausting. You need to incorporate it with an activity you find pleasurable so it won't feel like a chore. Before you know it, you'll have more expressions to use.

Hi! John Eilermann is the name. I’m a comparative literature student from St. Louis, Missouri, and I’m enjoying my life here. For similar reads, visit this blog.

Monday, 16 April 2018

Getting To Know The Quirks Of P.G. Wodehouse’s Imaginings

Image source: theparisreview.org
Sir Pelham Granville Wodehouse, otherwise known as P.G. Wodehouse is an esteemed author and creator of the fictional valet, Reginald Jeeves. Wodehouse is popular for his quirky humor and his seemingly endless wit when it comes to his writings. His unparalleled innovation in creating the most memorable characters have earned him praise throughout the years.

Take for instance his recurring characters Friday, Jeeves, and Bertie Wooster, all of whom are infused with their own flavorful wackiness that offer a fresh perspective on English society during the turn of the century.

Another group of Wodehouse’s beloved characters reside in and around Blandings Castle. Lord Emsworth, his family and guests, and the Empress of Blandings are all there to tickle your funny bone.

Image source: goodreads.com
Among Wodehouse’s plays, his most memorable one would probably be wildly entertaining story of young love and mistaken identity, “Anything Goes.” Wodehouse collaborated with Guy Bolton, a fellow writer, and Cole Porter, a well-known composer, who later on helped Wodehouse turn the play into a Broadway production. “Anything Goes” was a hit both critically and publicly, and was the first time people actually discovered Wodehouse’s talent for music, as he co-wrote some of the songs with Porter.

Today, many of Wodehouse’s stories are still read and studied, and many of his plays are still being adopted. Such is the testament to a rare talent.

Hello! My name is John Eilermann from St. Louis, Missouri, and I’m currently in college pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature. For more on my passions, check out this blog.