I’ve been thinking about leaving my job too much lately. I’ve worked here for 24 years. So many of my friends have left, moved on, retired. So much of what I do has changed. I used to love researching new themes and books, finding the facts behind the scenes, discussing the inspiration of the writer. It is nearly impossible to discuss books with people who don’t read.

I’ve taken to saying, “If you don’t read, you can’t go to college.” Not if you CAN’T read. If you DON’T. Reading and analysis takes work. If you don’t practice those skills before you get to college, college will be too difficult.