Where the Red Fern Grows

Growing up, my favorite book was ‘Where the Red Fern Grows’ by Wilson Rawls. In this book, a young boy saves up his money to buy two Redbone Coonhounds. These hounds become his best friends and are excellent raccoon hunters. They are challenged many times to prove themselves in hunting raccoons, and in doing so bring the family enough money they can move into a better living situation. The hounds eventually die as one is attacked by a mountain lion and the other dies of grief. The boy realizes how much of an influence the hounds had on his life and the eventual success of his family, showing that loyalty and friendship make a profound difference in one’s life.

Most people are surprised that this is my favorite book from my childhood because it is not a book most would think of when thinking of children’s books, but for me, my love of this book did not come because of the storyline. Rather, it came because it was a book my father read to me and my siblings each night. His father had read it to him, and he then read it to us.  Although I began this post talking about 'Where the Red Fern Grows', I think the real glistening star I want to point out is the time we spend reading together and the influence it has on families, children, and relationships. The memories I have of lying in bed or sitting around my father and listening to him read are some of the fondest memories I have of my childhood. I think the time we spent reading together laid the foundation for the relationship we have now.In m y opinion, reading with your children makes a tremendous difference in their lives. I'm looking forward to the day that we have children and are able to read with them.