Letter From the Editor: October 2019

Dear Readers,

Happy October! The weather is starting to cool and the smell of pumpkin spice is filling the air. I hope you and your family are enjoying these wonderful autumn days! As 19th-century novelist Nathaniel Hawthorne wrote in his journal, “There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October” (Passages from the American Note-Books). And yes, all writers should be readers! October is a great time to cozy up with a good book.

National Teen Read Week has traditionally been celebrated the second or third week in October. However, starting in October 2019 it’s been replaced with a new, month-long celebration called TeenTober. There used to be a new theme every year, but TeenTober allows more flexibility to choose what to celebrate (digital literacy, reading, technology, writing, etc.) and the length of time to focus on it.

Personally, I’ve always liked nonfiction and biographies, because I figure if you’re going to read something, you might as well learn something. But I like classic literature, too. I just started The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare, by G.K. Chesterton. First published in 1908, it’s a rather bizarre book – kind of like a spy novel, detective tale, conspiracy story, metaphysical thriller, and Christian allegory all in one. I also love poetry, and the book begins with two poets arguing in the park about whether poetry is more akin to law or anarchy!

What books are you reading this month and what is your favorite genre? Please leave a comment; I’d love to know!

Happy Homeschooling,

P.S. Homeschooling Teen needs more articles from readers like YOU! Be sure to check out our new article submissions page to find out how you can submit your writings. 🙂