The Power of Reading | April Qu | TEDxYouth@Suzhou

Summary

April, the narrator, recounts the profound impact of her mother's decision to open a children's bookstore, which became a life-changing gift that ignited her love for reading. She shares her journey from a young tomboy to a passionate reader, highlighting the freedom to read and choose as a precious gift. April's mother's dedication to the bookstore, despite its financial challenges, is a testament to the joy it brings to children. The speaker vividly describes how reading transports her to different worlds, using 'Alice in Wonderland' as an example, and how it fosters connections with others, as illustrated by her friendship with Yoyo. She also touches on the intimate relationship between reading and writing, drawing inspiration from authors like Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl. April concludes with a poem about dreams and the enduring nature of literature, affirming her lifelong commitment to reading and the aspiration to create her own magic as an author.

Takeaways

• 🎁 The gift of a children's bookstore from April's mom was a significant event in her life, fostering a love for books.
• 🌞 April's first experience in the bookstore was filled with warmth, light, and the enticing scent of books.
• 📚 The act of reading is described as a voyage through time and space, allowing one to explore new worlds and ideas.
• 🧚‍♀️ April's personal connection to 'Alice in Wonderland' illustrates how books can captivate the imagination.
• 🎨 April's drawing of Wonderland characters reflects her desire to be part of the stories she reads.
• 🌍 Books provide an escape from the mundane and offer a means to travel to different places and times.
• 🤝 Reading can connect people, as shared experiences with books can lead to conversations and friendships.
• 👪 Reading to children strengthens the bond between parents and their kids, creating intergenerational memories.
• ✍️ April uses an idea notebook to capture her thoughts and inspirations, a practice inspired by Roald Dahl.
• 🌟 Admiring authors like Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl has motivated April to aspire to write and create her own magic.
• 📖 April views reading as a lifelong passion, believing it can enrich one's life beyond measure.

Q & A

What significant event happened in April's life eight years ago?

April's mother opened a children's bookstore, which was the biggest and best present of her life.

How did April's mother contribute to her love for reading?

April's mother read books to her every night since she was about two years old, and later opened a children's bookstore.

What is April's view on the freedom to read and choose books?

April considers the freedom to read and choose books as one of the best gifts her mother ever gave her.

Why did April's mother decide to open a bookstore despite it not being a lucrative career choice?

April's mother wanted to devote herself to bringing a passion for reading to children, which she considers more important than making money.

How does April incorporate reading into her daily life?

April reads in various settings such as restaurants while waiting for a meal, on the metro on her way to school, and every night before going to sleep.

What is April's perspective on the experience of reading a book?

April sees reading as a voyage through time, a way to visit places one would never otherwise know, and to experience a world of imagination, adventure, and discovery.

How did the book 'Alice in Wonderland' affect April?

The book 'Alice in Wonderland' captivated April's imagination, making her want to return to Wonderland and experience the story's nonsense again.

What did April draw after being inspired by 'Alice in Wonderland'?

April drew the Cheshire Cat, the Caterpillar on the giant mushroom, and a girl, who she wasn't sure was Alice or herself.

How does April describe the connection between reading and connecting with others?

April believes that reading can connect people, as it did when she and a stranger named Yoyo started a discussion about a book they were both reading.

What is the significance of the authors Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl to April?

Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl are among April's beloved authors who inspired her with their humor, wit, and storytelling, and who have influenced her writing and perspective on life.

What advice did April take from Roald Dahl's character the BFG?

April was inspired by the BFG's advice to 'Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places.'

What is April's aspiration as an author?

April aspires to create her own magic as an author, to inspire and create dreams for herself, her friends, her children, and other children.

What is the message April conveys through her poem about the kite?

April's poem about the kite symbolizes her dream to become an author and the belief that, like a kite soaring high, her dreams can be achieved with perseverance and a keen observation of the world around her.

What does April believe about the power of reading?

April believes that reading can light up the whole world and encourages others to surround themselves with books, sit down quietly, and enjoy the beauty of words and pictures.

Outlines

00:00

📚 The Joy of Reading and the Impact of a Bookstore

The speaker, April, shares her love for reading, which was ignited when her mother opened a children's bookstore eight years ago. She reminisces about the warm and inviting atmosphere of the store and the cherished moments of her mother reading to her. April has grown from a young child to a confident girl, but her passion for reading has remained constant. She emphasizes the importance of the freedom to read and choose books, which she considers one of the best gifts from her mother. Despite the financial challenges of running a bookstore, her mother's dedication to fostering a love of reading in children is unwavering. April's enthusiasm for reading is evident in her daily habits, such as reading while waiting for a meal, during her commute, and before bed. She describes reading as a journey through time and a means to explore new worlds, using 'Alice in Wonderland' as an example of the imaginative places literature can take us. April also shares how reading has helped her connect with others, including a story about bonding with a friend over a shared love for a book and a trip to Singapore that followed. She believes reading can bridge generational gaps and is a unique form of conversation with the author. April expresses her admiration for authors like Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl, whose works have inspired her to start writing and keeping an idea notebook. She aspires to become an author herself one day and shares a poem she wrote, expressing the beauty of dreams and the creative process. April concludes by encouraging everyone to immerse themselves in the world of books, appreciating the beauty of words and images, and recites a poem about the enduring nature of stories written on paper.

05:04

🌟 The Inspiration from Beloved Authors and the Power of Dreams

April continues her speech by reflecting on the profound influence of authors such as Roald Dahl and Bill Bryson on her life. She discusses how Dahl's imaginative storytelling and Bryson's vast knowledge have inspired her to dream big and aspire to become an author herself. She shares Dahl's approach to writing, which involves capturing fleeting ideas in a notebook to prevent them from being lost. April has adopted this practice, using her own idea notebook to record her creative thoughts. She is particularly inspired by Dahl's advice from 'The Minpins' to observe the world with sparkling eyes, as the greatest secrets often lie in the most unexpected places. This guidance has not only influenced her writing but also her perspective on life. April expresses gratitude to the authors who have filled her with dreams and aspirations, comparing them to the BFG, who delivers pleasant dreams to children. She shares a poem she wrote, symbolizing the kite as a representation of dreams soaring high, acknowledging the long journey ahead in achieving her aspirations. April emphasizes her commitment to continuous reading and writing, and to always view the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity, much like her literary heroes. She concludes her speech with a recitation of a poem that poetically illustrates the immortality of stories written on paper, using the metaphor of a butterfly that may not live long in reality but can live forever in the pages of a book. Her closing words serve as an invitation to everyone to share in the transformative power of reading.

Keywords

💡Reading

Reading is the process of interpreting written or printed text. In the video, it is presented as a fundamental activity that has shaped the speaker's life since childhood. It is associated with personal growth, imagination, and the acquisition of knowledge. The speaker's love for reading is exemplified by her mother opening a children's bookstore, which is described as a 'biggest and best present ever.'

💡Bookstore

A bookstore is a shop that sells books. It is significant in the script as the place where the speaker's mother opened a children's bookstore, which became a source of inspiration and joy for the speaker. The bookstore is depicted as a 'warm, lovely place' that fosters a love for reading and serves as a community space for sharing the joy of literature.

💡Imagination

Imagination refers to the faculty or action of forming new ideas or images or concepts of external objects not present to the senses. The video emphasizes imagination through the act of reading, particularly when discussing books like 'Alice in Wonderland,' which allows the reader to enter a world of the fantastical. The speaker's drawing of characters from the book is a direct result of her imaginative engagement with the text.

💡Freedom to Read

The freedom to read is the ability to choose and access a wide range of reading materials without restrictions. It is highlighted as a gift from the speaker's mother and is central to the video's theme of personal empowerment and intellectual exploration. The speaker's mother's decision to open a bookstore despite the financial risks underscores the value placed on this freedom.

💡Author

An author is a person who originates and writes a literary work. In the context of the video, authors are portrayed as creative forces that inspire and influence the speaker. The speaker mentions Bill Bryson and Roald Dahl, whose works have left a profound impact on her. Authors are seen as conversationalists through their writing, engaging readers in a dialogue that transcends the page.

💡Connection

Connection refers to the state of being linked or joined together. The video discusses how reading can create connections between people. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about bonding with a stranger over a shared love for a book, illustrating how literature can serve as a common ground for social interaction and relationship building.

💡Childhood

Childhood is the period of life between birth and adolescence. The video uses the speaker's childhood experiences with reading as a narrative thread. It highlights how early exposure to books and storytelling can have a lasting impact on a person's interests and values, with the speaker's mother reading to her being a pivotal moment.

💡Idea Notebook

An idea notebook is a personal journal where one records thoughts, ideas, and inspirations. The speaker mentions using an idea notebook to capture 'seeds of ideas,' following the advice of author Roald Dahl. This tool is depicted as essential for the creative process, allowing the speaker to document and later develop her ideas into stories.

💡Magic

Magic, in the context of the video, refers to the transformative power of literature to transport readers to different worlds and experiences. The speaker describes how books can 'light up the whole world' and provide an escape from the mundane. The 'magic' is also a metaphor for the creativity and inspiration that authors like Roald Dahl bring to their readers.

💡Life-long Love

A life-long love implies a passion or interest that endures throughout one's life. The speaker expresses her enduring love for reading, which began in childhood and continues to be a significant part of her identity. This love is portrayed as a driving force behind her aspirations to become an author and her commitment to sharing the joy of reading with others.

💡Butterflies

Butterflies in the video serve as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of literature. The speaker recites a poem that contrasts the short life of a butterfly with the immortality of ideas and stories captured on paper. This metaphor encapsulates the video's message about the lasting impact of reading and writing.

Highlights

April received the biggest and best present of her life when her mom opened a children's bookstore

April's love for reading has remained unchanged since childhood, except she no longer sucks her fingers while reading

April's mom quit her high-salary job to run the bookstore, a decision she has never regretted

April is passionate about reading and always brings a book with her wherever she goes

Reading allows April to travel through time, visit new places, and experience a world of imagination, adventure and discovery

April was so captivated by Alice in Wonderland that she drew a picture of the Cheshire Cat, Caterpillar and Alice

Books can help escape the boredom of everyday life and transport readers to a magical world

April and her friend Yoyo bonded over their love for reading, leading to a trip to Singapore together with their families

Sharing book facts and helping others find the right book helps April build relationships and get to know people better

When parents read to their children, it creates a strong bond and helps bridge generational gaps

April feels like she is having a conversation with the author when she reads, such as with Bill Bryson

Roald Dahl's books are so captivating that April doesn't want them to end

Dahl advises starting with a small seed of an idea and writing it down before it disappears like a dream

April was inspired by Dahl's advice to observe the world with glittering eyes, as the greatest secrets are hidden in unlikely places

April dreams of becoming an author herself one day to create magic for others, just as her favorite writers have done for her

April shared a poem she wrote about a kite, symbolizing the beauty and wonder of dreams

April believes reading will be a lifelong love for her, as it allows her to experience more than one life

April encourages everyone to surround themselves with books, sit quietly, and enjoy the beauty of words and pictures

April recited a poem about how things can live forever on paper, and a butterfly never dies

Transcripts

Reviewer: Mirjana Čutura

Good afternoon, everybody.

I am April.

Eight years ago, I got the biggest and best present ever, of my life.

After reading me books every night since I was about two,

my mom opened a children's bookstore.

I still remember the day I stepped into the warm, lovely place,

sunshine glowing on the bookshelves, and I smelled the scent of books.

And I still remember the happy moment

my mom held me in her arms and read me a book.

"In an old house in Paris That was covered with vines,

Lived twelve little girls In two straight lines."

Time passed, and I grew from a little kid who was often mistaken for a boy

to a big girl standing in front of you on this stage.

However, the love of reading has been kept unchanged,

except that I don't suck my fingers anymore while I'm reading.

Having the freedom to read and the freedom to choose

is one of the best gifts my mom ever gave me.

Although running a bookstore is not always a good choice for making money,

mom never regrets quitting her high-salary job

and devoting herself to the small bookstore.

She is very proud of her work,

that brings a passion for reading to me and other children.

Surrounded by books, I am enthusiastic about reading.

I bring a book with me wherever I go.

I read in restaurants while I'm waiting for a meal.

I read in the metro on my way to school.

I read every night before I go to sleep.

To read is to voyage through time,

to visit places you would never otherwise know,

to experience a world of imagination, adventure, and discovery.

Take Alice in Wonderland as an example.

When I read that book, I fell with Alice into her Wonderland.

It's so weird, so visual.

There, rabbits can talk, playing cards can watch,

and cats can vanish at will.

As I read that book,

my mind kept wanting to return to Wonderland

and experience all this nonsense again.

So I drew this picture.

I drew the Cheshire Cat,

the Caterpillar on the giant mushroom,

and the girl.

I didn't know if the girl was Alice or myself.

I was too young when I drew that picture,

but I really wished

that I could've lived inside that book.

So you can see in the book,

bored Alice followed a rabbit and tumbled down to Wonderland,

whereas in the real world,

a book can always lead you to escape the boredom of everyday life

and enter a magic world.

For example,

we can take the Magic School Bus to explore the human body,

or we can escape into nature by reading Fabre's Book of Insects.

We can even travel back to ancient Greece or Rome

in the series of Horrible Histories.

With a book,

we can go anywhere and be anything.

Reading is also a good way for us to connect with others.

It's amazing how when you're reading a book on a train,

a stranger next to you says,

"Hey, I love that book too."

This is a true story between me and Yoyo.

We then immediately started a discussion about characters in that book.

Yoyo's mom and my mom also found that they had a lot in common.

Last year, our families took a trip to Singapore together.

This is us on our first day in Singapore.

We went to a big bookstore and spent half a day there.

This is not the only story.

When I share fun "Did you know?" book facts with my friends

or help other readers my age find the book that's just right for them,

we build up relationships and get to know each other better.

Also, I believe that when parents read to their children,

it brings back good memories from their own childhood.

This is a strong relationship

that can get rid of gaps in between generations.

Another amazing thing about reading is,

when you're reading,

in a way, you're engaging in a conversation with the author.

One of the authors I admire very much is Bill Bryson,

who is humorous and witty.

When reading his great book "A Short History of Nearly Everything,"

I feel like I'm accompanying the author as he travels through space and time,

from the Big Bang to the rise of civilization.

His deep curiosity of the world we live in

and encyclopedic knowledge of these topics

impressed and touched me.

Another beloved author is Roald Dahl,

whose hilarious, breathtaking books are so attractive

that I don't even want the story to end.

I have read all of his books for children,

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, The Witches, The BFG, and many others.

When asked in an interview, "How do you get your story ideas?"

the author answered, "I always start with a little seed of idea, a little germ.

Every time I get a great idea,

I would pull out a notebook and write it down,

or else it would disappear like a dream."

These tips helped me a lot when I first started writing.

I use my idea notebook to write down my seeds of ideas.

And in the stories of The Minpins, Roald Dahl told us,

"Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you

because the greatest secrets are always hidden

in the most unlikely places."

I was inspired when I read this.

I've taken it as advice not only from the great author

but also from a wise man who had a keep insight into our world.

Just like Roald Dahl's character the BFG, Big Friendly Giant,

whose job was to collect and blow pleasant dreams to small children,

Roald Dahl, Bill Bryson, Sheldon Allan Silverstein,

Dr. Seuss, and other writers,

they had blown big dreams to me and every other reader.

I dreamed that, one day, I can make magic of my own as an author,

for myself, my friends, my kids, and other children.

Here, I want to share a poem I wrote on a kite I made in an art class.

Soaring above us like a bird

Is a big, amazing kite.

The wind is howling,

Making it dance.

What a beautiful sight!

Yes, what a beautiful sight.

But I know making this dream come true will be a very long and slow process.

I will keep on reading and writing every day

and, above all, keep watching with glittering eyes

the whole world around me, just like Roald Dahl.

And there's one thing I know for sure:

reading will be a life-long love for me.

I read because loving one life is just not enough.

Today I stand here to share my reading stories with you

because I believe that reading can light up the whole world.

So, why not surround yourself with books,

sit down quietly,

and enjoy the words, the pictures, and how they fit together so beautifully.

As an end of my speech,

I would like to recite one of my favorite poems.

"No one believes a whole book Could ever come

From something as simple as butterflies,

That don't even live that long.

But on paper, things can live forever.

On paper, a butterfly never dies."

Thank you.

(Applause)