Today in class, we had to answer the question, if you had the opportunity to make one book required reading for everyone on Earth, what book would you choose? At the time, I put down Brave New World, but I wasn't satisfied with my answer. A book for everyone?? That's a big choice. I wanted something that would educate people, make them understand each other, open their minds, teach them morals and values. I couldn't think of a book that could do all of this. But when I got home today, it hit me. The book that I would make everyone in the World read is What to Expect When You're Expecting.
For those of you who have never given birth or have never been the partner of someone who has given birth, What to Expect When You're Expecting is exactly what it sounds like. It gives soon-to-be parents knowledge about childbirth, and about prenatal care and health. This may sound like a rather odd choice of reading material. But, when you think about it, tens of millions of unhealthy babies are born each year, many of which could have been born healthy if their parents knew how to act during pregnancy. If everyone read this book, countless babies who would have otherwise been bore feeble would be strong. This would give millions of children the opportunity to grow up to be healthy and stable human beings. These people would contribute to society. They would be doctors, lawyers, politicians, scientists, teachers. The World would be a much better place if everyone had the equal opportunity of life from birth.
Just wondering, have you read this book at your own will?
ReplyDeleteNo I have not. But I've heard about it from my parents, and it was actually my dad talking about it kind of randomly that gave me the idea.
DeleteThat is a very interesting choice of required reading. I, too, initially thought of Brave New World, but that novel seems to be a choice too intellectually complex to have as much of an impact on the world. A book like What to Expect When You're Expecting does seem to be a more practical choice with a more direct influence on people.
ReplyDeleteOkay, that kind of just made my day, especially the part where you said, "For those of you who have never given birth or have never been the partner of someone who has given birth..." However, I do have to admit that after thinking about this choice, this book technically would have a profound effect worldwide. :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still trying to decide if you're serious.
ReplyDeleteI like your point here though. I might suggest a similar title that makes people consider the realites of parenthood (before they're expecting). Maybe even something about the (anachronistic) pressures to procreate.
Serious or not, I think you have a good point. I was struggling quite a bit in class to come up with anything I felt was adequate for the entire world to read. I think I may have been too stuck in the rut of classic literature as an answer. Something practical would probably be a great choice for this answer and could have the most direct impact - nice thinking outside of the box!
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed. I never would have thought about it this way. I tried to think of a book that was really deep and would change how people thought or something. But a practical book is a much better choice
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