I was wandering in the park when I spotted my friend, John,     1     (read) novels, which was why his writing skills were amazing. Those     2     (scene) described in his latest novels were always so vivid and the     3     (plot) were always beyond our expectation. However, though his mother was patient     4     him, she didn’t permit him     5     (spend) much time reading novels for fear that it would affect his studies. Indeed, he was always willing     6     (spend) large amounts of money on books every month. Moreover, once he learned about a book, he would never hesitate     7     (get) it.

6 . It's a great idea to reread novels.     1     For a while, I saw little point in rereading. Why reread a favorite when there are other books waiting for you? Most book lovers have long books waiting to be read. It seems a waste of time to reread a novel. The aspect of time is a crucial point for readers — a novel simply is not a poem, short story or movie.

    2     For one, the purpose of reading changes. You are no longer familiarizing yourself with the plot, characters or setting. These points were made clear in the first read. Rather, the second and third reading allows greater focus on the theme, literary references, style and the more subtle (细微的) aspects of the novel. This makes for a more enjoyable read. In many ways, a novel is like an endless treasure chest.    3    .

Another pleasant part of rereading is the lack of need to “understand” a novel. You've already read it and can now determine the extent of your enjoyment. However, there's a possibility of disliking a novel at second glance (再看一眼). There's   nothing wrong with this!     4     It's through rereading that we develop an understanding of our tastes.

I'm not suggesting that rereading is superior to (优于) reading novels for the first time. Yet, it's worth arranging time for two or three novels a year. You shouldn't reread any book. Rather pick a favorite to start with, preferably a story you read over a year ago.     5     It's entirely possible not to enjoy a novel at first but appreciate it at a different stage in your life.

Through teaching myself to love reading, I gathered some tips to motivate you     1     (take) up reading.

Don’t give up after the first book. To be     2     (honesty), if I quit reading after my first book, I would never have become the reader I am today. Surely, you won’t love every book you read. Some will bore you while others will get you to occupy     3     (you) in reading every page. If you don’t like the first book you read, put it aside and switch     4     another one.

Track your progress. If you track the books you read, you will definitely feel a greater sense of achievement after each book. It is appropriate     5     (create) a routine. Whether that is early in the morning or before bed,     6     (come) up with a routine is of necessity. What’s more, choosing a place where you are unlikely to     7     (distract) from your reading.

Overall, reading is a lifelong hobby. Don’t equip yourself     8     complicated books; invest your time in the books which interest you.

8 . Books That Celebrate Diverse Holidays and Traditions

It’s important to remember there are a diverse set of holidays available to explore. Below are a few books that help introduce children to different holiday cultures and traditions.

Too Many Tamales by Gary Soto, illustrated by Ed Martinez

While helping her mother with Christmas celebration, Maria is tempted to try on her mother’s diamond ring. After getting caught up in the joy of the holiday and playing with her cousins, Maria realizes the ring is missing! That’s when she and her cousins come up with a plan to eat all of the tamales, in hopes of finding the ring.

Together for Kwanzaa by Juwanda G. Ford, illustrated by Shelly Hehenberger

This is a story about a little girl named Kayla who wants to see her older brother Khari come home so they can celebrate Kwanzaa together as a family. Khari is stuck at college when a snowstorm hits and his car breaks down. Will he make it home in time for Kwanzaa?

A Child’s Christmas in Wales by Dylan Thomas, illustrated by Trina Schart Hyman

This book is a funny, nostalgic tale of Christmas Eve afternoon through Christmas night in Wales, and is full of unique imagery and poetic prose. It will arouse a sense of familiarity for some young readers while introducing them to different aspects of Christmas traditions.

We Are Grateful: Otsaliheliga by Traci Sorell, illustrated by Frane Lessac

The word otsaliheliga is used by members of the Cherokee Nation to express gratitude. This is an amazing story that describes a journey through the seasons with a modern-day Cherokee family. Cherokee history and traditions are also woven into the story in a very kid-friendly way.