The Reading Promise by Alice Ozma

I am usually reading several books at the same time.  I heard this book mentioned on The Reading Revival podcast.  My curiosity was peaked. Then I found The Reading Revival podcast where Alice Ozma, the author, was interviewed.  

I knew I had to read this book!

It was totally worth the impromptu library run.  This book is amazing.

The premise of the story is simple.  A single father fears his youngest daughter won't want to be read to as she grows.  His oldest daughter had lost interest in being read to as she aged. Wanting a different result with his youngest, the two set up a challenge... To read every day for 100 days in a row!

They accomplished their goal and, as they went to celebrate, decided to set a new goal of 1000 days.  

At the end of the book, the number they had reached was 3,218! He read to her that many nights in a row.  He read to her after play practices, while he was sick and had no voice, when the two were angry with each other, and through many ups and downs. He read to her until the day he was leaving her at college.  

 I laughed through this book, and had my heart broken.  I didn't want "the Streak" (the name they gave to the reading aloud nights) to end. I want to hear the main character be called "Lovie" by her daddy once again.  

This book is a true story, and one that shows how amazing reading to your children can be.  However, the Reading Promise doesn't talk about the books they read very much.  There isn't any deep analysis of the characters.  There is a list of books her father read to her.

The Reading Promise is mostly about the relationship between the girl and her father.  We see the struggles between them, the easy humor, the caring.  We see the main character go from a young girl in elementary school until she is immersed in college.  

For a story that didn't discuss the books read, it sure is inspirational.  I am more motivated than ever to read aloud to my children for as long as they let me!  Megan is the one I read to, but I have noticed the high schoolers hang around during reading time.  

I did head that a movie deal is the works for this movie.  I have no doubt the movie will be successful.  I'm hoping it inspires those that don't read to their children to begin doing so.  Reading to your child can change both of your lives.