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Author Beverly Darnall Spotlights First Lady's Reading List Tamara Lush, NewsMax.com Book Review: "Laura's List," by Beverly Darnall: (Penguin, $14.95)
A good book is hard to find - especially for children. First lady Laura Bush - the nation's most famous librarian and literacy advocate - makes some excellent family-friendly suggestions in a new book called "Laura's List." (Penguin, $14.95).
The book, which was written by author and songwriter Beverly Darnall, divides Mrs. Bush's choices into four, age-appropriate categories: family reading, books for young children, books for intermediate readers and special comfort books aimed at adult readers. A handful of adult selections graces one of the final chapters, but the book mostly concentrates on younger readers.
There are some old favorites from childhoods past ("Charlotte's Web," "Goodnight Moon") and some newer classics ("Hank the Cowdog") that deal with themes of loss, diversity and freedom. What they all have in common, however, is Mrs. Bush's keen instinct for books that entertain, teach and inspire.
"You can really feel the compassionate heart of Laura Bush in these book choices," said Darnall.
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"Laura's List" begins with a short introduction by the author, and then a four-page biography of Mrs. Bush, which reads like it could be one of the very children's books she recommends. As an only child, Mrs. Bush "could usually be found somewhere with her nose in a book," Darnall writes. Mrs. Bush recalls that some of her fondest childhood memories were spent at the Midland, Texas public library. Mrs. Bush obtained her degree in education, and then went on to earn a Master's degree in library science. She has carried this love of reading into the White House, where she has been a worldwide literacy ambassador. Most important, according to Mrs. Bush - and this is reflected in "Laura's List" - is the need to read to children from day one.
"When you read with your child, you show them that reading is important, but you also show them they're important - that they are so important to you that you will spend 20 minutes a day with your arm around them," Bush said in 2003, during the Moscow Children's Book Festival.
A sampling of Bush's recommended reads (without the synopsis, analysis or details contained in Darnall's book) can also be found on the Web, at: www.whitehouse.gov/firstlady. (Click on the "Books and Authors" icon.)
"Laura's List" is an extensive look at Mrs. Bush's recommendations. Readers will feel as if they are participating in a book group with Darnell and the first lady. Each suggestion is followed by very specific details on the book: age-appropriateness, how long it takes to read, and basic themes.
Darnall gives a brief synopsis of the book, and then breaks the book's themes down into specific categories. For instance, under the "Little House on the Prairie" chapter, Darnall explains the historical importance of the series, and how nature played a big part in the characters' lives. Darnall often quotes from the books, then provides a helpful reader's guide, which allows parents to ask their children some thought-provoking questions.
"Keep a map handy while you read these books," Darnall wrote regarding the "Little House" series. "It is very interesting to follow the Ingalls family across the country as it is described in the story."
This book will be especially helpful for young or first-time parents, who may not be entirely sure which books to introduce their child to first. Possibly the only way this comprehensive book could be any better is if the photos of the book covers were in color. This book should inspire parents to begin a family library; it is a call to action for literacy, both on the global and personal level.
Many of the books are geared toward younger readers. There are some family selections, and book lovers will want to sample (or revisit) some of the classics: "Little Women," "Old Yeller," "Little House on the Prairie." Mrs. Bush's Texas roots shine through, with several novels set in the Lone Star State. There are some unusual and diverse selections, as well. "The People Could Fly" is a collection of black-American folk tales. "Tomas and the Library Lady" is about a migrant family that moves from Texas to Iowa to pick corn. There are three suggestions filed under "comfort books." One, "The Tenth Good Thing About Barney" is about a family who buries their beloved cat.
"Comfort is one of the most prevalent threads running through these stories, and it is expressed in all kinds of ways," said Darnall. "Children are comforted when a favorite character learns to live with loss, or is taught a hard but good lesson, even finds out how to think about losing a loved one."
Mrs. Bush and Darnall do not ignore adult readers. They give nine varied suggestions, ranging from Toni Morrison's "Beloved" to Cormac McCarthy's "All the Pretty Horses." Finally, Darnall outlines the educational organizations that Mrs. Bush supports, and how to contact those groups.
Darnall knows a bit about literacy herself: she is the executive director of the Chartwell Literary Group, a Nashville-based company that creates, completes, and organizes book projects for political figures and nationally known authors. Darnall is also a songwriter, having penned works for Eric Clapton, Amy Grant and Vince Gill.
Darnall recently discussed why Mrs. Bush, and talk-show host Oprah Winfrey, have been instrumental in fostering a love of reading in Americans at a time when electronic communication has nearly taken over the public realm.
"Oprah has been more visible, and she has been amazingly effective. I think she seems to promote "a" book, and do her part that way," Darnall said. "Mrs. Bush works with so any organizations and has a broader impact, I think. She supports many kinds of alternative teacher training programs. Her foundation raises money to rebuild libraries that have been destroyed. She launched the National Book Festival. She works behind the scenes and is also willing to use her public platform for these causes, because she believes they are so important."
[Editor's Note: Get Ron Kessler's book, "Laura Bush: An Intimate Portrait of the First Lady," with free offer.
Editor's note:
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