Reading has always been a big part of my life. I have a degree in literature and teach high school English. Long before that, though, reading was how I connected with my son, John.
When he was young, books were part of our bedtime routine. Redwall, Percy Jackson, the Narnia series, those stories lived in our house. I still have vivid memories of John clutching the covers, listening intently, kicking his feet during the exciting parts. I can still picture his reaction when Matthias finally recovers the legendary sword from the Sparra Warriors.
So it wasn’t a surprise when, as an adult, John asks me for book recommendations. What did surprise me is that he genuinely enjoys the classics, the big, dense ones, the way I do. He has no trouble diving into a thick book like Moby Dick and digesting the characters and themes in a thoughtful way.
One evening last month, I was recovering from a migraine when John came into the room, eager to tell me about The Count of Monte Cristo. It’s a book I had tried, and failed, to read before. I never got past the first page.
But John’s retelling of the story was so energetic and funny that it made me want to pick the book back up again. Then I had another idea: what if we read it together and made recap videos summarizing portions of the book? Just the way people talk about the books they love, or are still figuring out.
That’s how this project started.
Now John and I are reading the novel and planning out the vlog. This is our way of engaging deeply with great books: with intention, curiosity, and a little humor.
We hope it’s something we can sustain and grow for years to come.
Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.
Chapter by Chapter 