The Books You Carry With You

Mason Brown
Public Relations and Communications Intern
VCU Libraries

Universities promote the reading of research papers, in-depth articles and sophisticated books of all varieties. But often books that a person reads early in life make the most lasting impressions. Think of Shel Silverstein’s “Where the Sidewalk Ends,” Don Freeman’s “Corduroy” and most anything by Dr. Seuss.

That’s the reality behind “Books You Carry with You,” an interactive exhibition at James Branch Cabell Library through September.

On loan from — and organized by — the Richmond Public Library System, the exhibition features some 50 local leaders sharing childhood book inspirations. Both native and relatively new Richmonders, such as VCU President Michael Rao, VCU men’s basketball coach Shaka Smart and musician Jason Mraz, share the children’s books that still inspire them today.

Books that influenced Rao as a child include "The Hole Book” by Peter Newell and “Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now!” by Dr. Seuss.

“Is it true that everything I needed to know I learned from a children’s book? Not quite. Just the things that mattered most,” Rao said in a poster essay. Nearby hangs a poster featuring Smart, who cites ”Sneetches” by Dr. Seuss as a book that has stuck with him for its celebration of differences.

What about today’s students, who grew up in the age of video games and social media? What books do they carry with them as they go forward with their lives?

Matthew Graves, a sophomore rarely seen without a book, attributed the “Captain Underpants” series by Dave Pilkey as his gateway into reading.

“It was kid-friendly and funny. I read all of them over and over,” he said. Graves described the humor of the series as something that he still carries today. He said the series had a playful sense of humor and did not take things too seriously, something he tries to remember in his day-to-day life at VCU.

Kavya Kommaraju, a sophomore, chose “Love You Forever” by Robert Munsch as a book that opened her eyes to the concept of family throughout life.

“It’s a story about love, no matter how old you are,” said Kommaraju. The book depicts a role reversal in caretaking as parents age and she said she holds that concept close as she gets older.

For some students, it’s not the book’s message they remember, but the context in which they received it. Sara LaVerdy’s older brother read her stories from “Funny Stories Anthology,” compiled by Michael Rosen. She said the bond they developed through reading aloud made them very close and is something they share to this day.

The book also featured funny stories from several cultures, to which LaVerdy attributes her fascination with lifestyles outside the United States. Stories from Hispanic and Latino countries interested her as she found them the most entertaining, which she said may have contributed to her interest in those cultures.

Students, faculty, staff, alumni and friends of the university can take part in this interactive exhibit by sharing their own favorite childhood reading experiences.

“In the spirit of campus conversation, VCU Libraries invites people to comment respectfully on others’ favorites, too,” said Gregory Kimbrell, events coordinator for VCU Libraries. “We hope to hear from faculty and alumni and that the community will enjoy this exhibit as they ease into the new academic year.”

To participate:

• Post notes about your memorable books on the board near the main Cabell entrance.
• Post your thoughts on Twitter, referencing #VCUreads and @VCUcabell.
• Comment or share on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/VCU-James-Branch-Cabell-Library/37657211238.
• Post your thoughts online at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/XS9C7L9 for posting on the main board and social media.