Reading Changed My Life! Three True Stories

by Beth Johnson

This nonfiction book is part of the Townsend Library, a collection of high-interest paperbacks published by Townsend Press to promote reading among today's students. Acclaimed by educators nationwide, the Townsend Library is helping millions of young adults discover the pleasure and power of reading.

98 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2003

About the author

Beth Johnson is Associate Professor of Media and Film at the University of Leeds, UK. She is author of Paul Abbott (2013), and co-editor of Television, Sex and Society: Analyzing Contemporary Representations (2012) and Social Class and Television Drama in Contemporary Britain (2017) with David Forrest.

Reviews

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading Changed My Life: Three True Stories is a very easy read. I finished it in a little over an hour. The three inspirational stories are great for young adults and/or adult literacy students. The three woman come from diverse, but troubled backgrounds. Maria Cardenas tells her story of coming from Mexico and a migrant worker background. Daisy Russell survives an abusive childhood and learns to read as an adult. My favorite story was of Julia Burney and her Cops ‘n Kids program. I remembered seeing her on the Oprah show. I especially enjoyed reading about her successful program in New York City. Reading Changed My Life is a high interest, low reading level book that is great for literacy instruction.

[Odysseus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very real and touching stories. I cry while I reading it. It actually talking about hope, in desperate situation of kids. My many cousins never finish their middle school, i once quite as well. but later continue my journey of education. there are some deep and serious concerning and empathy in this small books, it conveys courage amd hope to those suffering and broken one. i hope there are more works like that. no need to be academic high level, but warm and encouraging. i never understand why its rate under 4 score.

[albin james · Rating 4 out of 5]

The women in these stories have outlived a childhood marked with violence through perseverance and motivation. Julia Burney who became a police officer found hope in reading from a young age and later opened a reading and activity space for inner city children. Maria Cárdenas, a migrant field worker and Daisy Russell, a dropout, sought adult education to have the skills they missed out on due to familial violence and poverty. It's inspiring to read about these simple but courageous women fight "functional illiteracy" to live a life worth living.

[Nattaya · Rating 5 out of 5]

To be honest, I accidentally got this book. At first I was looking to download How Reading Changed My Life but I read the title wrong so I got this one instead.

I tried the first page. The next thing I know I was half way through the book. It is very honest and inspiring. Their love for books & education changed their lives forever. I finished the whole book within hours.

I highly recommend this book for book lovers out there.

[Dayna Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very short book that can be read in one sitting. The true stories of three women: one black, one Hispanic, and one white, who tell the story of how reading changed their loves. The stories are short, yet poignant. They focus on the importance of reading and hard work in being able to find success in life. A great little book to read to a class, or an individual child, or an adult in need of inspiration.

[Micheal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just picked this book up at my jobs library as it sounded interesting. The book was quick, clocking in at 94 pages and it was a breeze getting through it.

In a country where reading is such a labored task, hearing how this activity was stripped from them and how they took that power back was so heartwarming. Such a powerful message that should be talked about more on the countrywide scale.

My only gripe is that the book was a summary and retelling of these women's stories. While I don't know the background of how this book came to be, I believe if the three women were telling the story from beginning to end themselves, bringing their life to life, it would feel even more powerful.

But, it was an overall solid read with a message that speaks to a major concern in our country.

[Karah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A keeper!!! I resent that this book contains brevity. María, Daisy, and Julia always had insight to which path they should take but somehow a challenge impeded them. These women prove themselves overcomers. Julia gained notice from Oprah and her goal received rich reward. María, Julia, and Daisy fortified themselves through breaking generational curses.

May the next readers edify themselves through reading this book.

[Abby · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book all the staff at my school had to read before school started. Meant to be heartwarming and to get us jazzed up for the year, it really just made me sigh. Do we really need to be made to read inspiration? Sappy doesn't do it for me.

[Palak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very honest and inspiring book. It is perfect for book lover who knows and value the power of reading and know how it change life. This book consist of 3 stories for 3 different people from 3 different backgrounds but they all realize importance of books and reading.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very inspiring! Very courageous woman who set out to accomplish something totally on their own. And DID IT!!

[Der Xiong · Rating 3 out of 5]

Finished it in one day. Very inspirational.

[Salome]

this book really inspires me to read more book in order to achieve...#LOVE IT