HIStory is a story written by the finger of God.” — C. S. Lewis
A Need for Story
In 2001, we became missionaries and moved far away from home. Matti entered ninth grade that fall and English was becoming a problem. We liked the classical methods of home schooling but the traditional approach wasn’t working for her. She needed an English credit and I wanted it to be meaningful. After giving this considerable thought and a great deal of prayer, the idea of mothers and daughters reading and discussing the classics together crossed my mind. Matti loves people and the idea of working through hard books with others instead of alone was appealing to her. We called the club Literature in HIStory. The first Classical Literature Club proved to be an asset to families who home school and to children who learn best in a less than traditional environment.
A Story for Any Age
After Matti graduated, my husband, JIm thought a club for our boys would be fun. My goal was to create a group of boys who would form a tight bond and support each other through their high school years. The academic portion was important to me but the main purpose was for my boys to enjoy reading and to build a social network of young men they could count on.
I thought an all boys group would be ideal — book selections and topical studies would be easier, I concluded. I imagined the boys might be more apt to speak up in front of an all male group. The problem I ran into was that my friends, the mothers I knew well, had girls. Could a boy-girl group be successful? I decided to give it a try. God led the first group and created a beautiful story through it. He will lead this one too, I thought. We called this club Conversations in HIStory. The club was actually enhanced by the combination of boys and girls. Discussions were lively and actually richer because we had a mixed group. Boys and girls see things differently; both perspectives are valuable and it’s good for them to learn how the other processes ideas. The second club showed me that classical literature is workable with any age and it is an asset to parents that want their boys and girls to enjoy reading.
A Story for Any Place
Since I created this blog, I have racked my brain for a way to create a place, a warm, inviting home base for book lovers — book bloggers, writers, high school students, middle school students, parents —anyone who enjoys reading.
I love stories. They are generous and truthful. Stories are faithful friends who tell me what I need to hear and who never tire of answering my questions. I read my first classic in 2002. Before then I thought the classics were just “old” books that ought to be on my “have read” list, like trophies. I am happy I read the books we covered in our literature club but not as a trophy list but because the classics are really good stories.
Do you like stories?
Do you want to add classic titles to your “have read” list?
Since Literature club provides an opportunity to make connections — to achieve goals and build friendships, why not create a space online to read the classics? The Literary Classics Reading Challenge is a fun way to get those books read that you have put off for so long and a good opportunity to do something fun with friends and family.
You are cordially invited to Living Ouside the Lines: The Literary Classics Reading Challenge, an online club for everyone in the WORLD who loves to read, wants to read the classics, and wants to connect with other readers. To begin reading with us visit The Literary Classics Reading Challenge where you choose your reading list and we encourage you to meet your goal.
You can also find us on Twitter at @Ali__Dent and #ClassicLit and Facebook.
