Greatnan sounds just that. She has contributed helpful comments for my Walking a Marathon topic in the Exercise Forum. I can now see why she enjoys her steep walks, living in the Pyrenees must be wonderful.
I love reading and this passion has passed to my elder son and my daughter and my grandchildren. However I think we have to accept that our children and grandchildren will make their own choices--often to read books which have more resonance with their contemporary lives. That said, a grounding in the classics is always desirable. My daughter really enjoyed English Literature at school, still reads many 'classics' but also loves contemporary fiction, and was a judge in the 2011 Orange Prize for Women's Fiction. Some of her recommendations from her reading for this introduced me to wonderful new books, such as Emma Donaghue's 'Room' --a must read for any grandparent. More recently she recommended Ann Patchett's 'State of Wonder', a finalist in the 2012 Orange Prize. Again a must-read for every older woman, as it explores the possibility of fertility and childbearing being an option in one's 70s. I'd be interested in other gransnetters views on this book...
As for my grandchildren, the 10 year old loves modern fantasy fiction, as well as old favourites. I took Sam and his 8 yr old brother to a Young Friends day at the British Museum, focusing on the Olympics. They were already familiar with Greek myths and heroes, and thoroughly enjoyed acting out the stories, seeing relevant artefacts in the BM, and the associated activities of the day. I had also taken them to another BM day relating to the Lewis chessmen, with (the Horrid Henry author, whose name has temporarily disappeared into a senior moment box) telling the children how looking at the Lewis chessmen with her son, had inspired her latest book.
All rich material for readers and writers, young and old.
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