During this time of isolation and social distancing, it’s more important than ever to read. Did you know that reading can reduce stress in both children and adults? It’s good to know that during these anxious times, choosing to reading can be a powerful strategy to positively impact our emotional and physical health. When we open a book and read, our heart rate slows and we reduce tension that has built up in our bodies. A 2009 University of Sussex study discovered that reading reduced stress as much as 68%.
We asked CIS staff what they are reading during this most challenging time. Here’s what some of them shared:
I am currently reading Slan by A.E. vanVogt.
–Cameron Massimino, CIS Site Coordinator, Edison Environmental Science Academy
I am currently reading The Blade Itself by Joe Abercrombie, but I anticipate tomorrow I will be on book 2 of the trilogy, Before They Are Hanged.
– Jenna Cooperrider, Associate Director of Site Services
I just finished reading The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah. Next up is One Thousand White Women by Jim Fergus. Historical Fiction is my favorite genre. Happy reading all!
–Carol Roose, CIS Site Coordinator, Washington Writers’ Academy
I am currently reading The World According to Humphrey written by Betty G. Birney. My daughter’s school is participating in “One School, One Book” and we are reading this book together.
–Felicia Lemon, Development & Marketing Project Manager
I am currently reading Gemini Files by Blacc Topp, as well as listening (Audible) to Within The Shadows by Brandon Massey. Next up is Elbert: The Uncaged Mind (The Black Series Book 2).
–Artrella Cohn, Sr. Director of Community Engagement and Student Investment
Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides.
–Jennifer Miner, CIS Site Coordinator, Kalamazoo Central High School
Our family is reading The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe together.
–Angela Van Heest, CIS Site Coordinator, Parkwood-Upjohn Elementary School
I recently finished Understanding Your Place in God’s Kingdom by Myles Munroe.
–James Devers, Executive Director
I am reading The Stand by Stephen King.
–Shannon Jones, CIS After School Coordinator at Milwood Magnet Middle School
I’m currently (re) reading Blink by Malcolm Gladwell. On a more personal note, I also just finished audio taping several children’s books to send (along with an “old fashioned” tape recorder) to my new grandson in Seattle – born last Friday. We included some of our daughter’s favorite books when she was a child – and one we knew her husband loved! Lastly, we included one of my favorite books, which my husband and I read together: The Invisible String by Patrice Karst – – which has never been more timely.
-Lauren Smirniotopoulos, CIS Site Coordinator, King-Westwood Elementary School
Our family is reading The Wingfeather Saga Series by Andrew Peterson.
–Cara Weiler, Associate Director of Site Services
I’m re-reading Tranny by Laura Jane Grace.
–Dana Flynn, CIS Site Coordinator, Northeastern Elementary School
I’m reading The Book of Gutsy Women by Hillary and Chelsea Clinton
–Laura McCoy, CIS Site Coordinator, Washington Writers Academy
I am currently reading the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures – Study Edition. I am currently in the book of Isaiah.
–Tracie Hall, Finance Coordinator
I’m reading state and federal legislation resulting because of COVID-19!
–Colleen Loc, Human Resources Manager
As a family we just finished reading Wonder by R.J. Palacio. We are also reading the Portage Public School’s “One School, One Book” and are reading The Adventures of a South Pole Pig: A Novel of Snow and Courage by Chris Kurtz.
–Nicky Aiello, Volunteer Services Coordinator
I am currently reading Core Knowledge and Competencies (Levels 1-4). They are standards set forth by the National Afterschool Association (NAA) that are categorized into 10 different content areas. I’m working on my AfterSchool Accreditation.
–Phillip Hegwood, CIS After School Coordinator, Maple Street Magnet School
I am reading The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson.
–Joan Coopes, CIS Site Coordinator, Arcadia Elementary School
I’ve started Grief’s Country: A Memoir in Pieces by Gail Griffin. (She taught at Kalamazoo College for 36 years.) I love it when books hook me from the first page and this one caught me with its first line.
–Jennifer Clark, Special Projects & Initiatives
I am reading Americanah by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie.
–Jane Asumadu, CIS After School Coordinator, Linden Grove Middle School
I usually pick a fiction and expository (usually about bees) to enjoy. Right now I’m reading Crossing the Tiber a journey of sorts and, optimistically looking ahead to summer, Under the Radar Michigan/The First 50.
–Maureen Cartmill, CIS Site Coordinator, Woods Lake Elementary
I’m reading The Outsider by Stephen King.
-Debra Newsome, Senior Director for Finance, Human Resources, and Administration
I finished reading Who Moved My Cheese and The Present: The Gift for Changing Times by Spencer Johnson. I will start Positive Addiction by William Glasser, M.D. My pastor recommended it.
–Maria Chalas, CIS After School Coordinator, Arcadia Elementary School
I am rereading The Book Of Joy by the 14th Dalai Lama and Desmond Tutu. I love this book and have read it in part and whole many times. It helps me keep perspective in times of change.
-Carli Thompson, CIS Site Coordinator, Prairie Ridge Elementary
Click here to read what a few of our CIS board members have been reading. Within this same post you will also find information on where to obtain fresh reading materials during this time of isolation. Take care of yourself and read!
Tags: Angela Van Heest, Artrella Cohn, Cameron Massimino, Cara Weiler, Carol Roose, CIS, Colleen Loc, Communities In Schools of Kalamazoo, Dana Flynn, Felicia Lemon, James Devers, Jane Asumadu, Jenna Cooperrider, Jennifer Clark, Jennifer Miner, Joan Coopes, Laura McCoy, Lauren Smirniotopoulos, Maria Chalas, Maureen Cartmill, Nicky Aiello, Phillip Hegwood, reading as strategy to reduce stress, Shannon Jones, Tracie Hall
