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.