On Her Nightstand

By Wendy Stein

What are you currently reading?

Books … . this was hard! I feel like I don’t get much time to read for leisure these days. [I’m reading] lots of legislation being discussed at the statehouse. I mainly focus on bills that affect education. Thanks for entertaining my legislative reading nerd self! Your readers may like to know that there are bills in both the House (HB1130) and Senate (SB12) about censoring books in schools, public libraries, and at colleges and universities. I really hate the phrase “material harmful to minors,” because I don’t want other people to tell me what is harmful to my minor; I feel like that should be left up to me!

Also, Indiana is one of 4 states left in the US that still charges families a rental fee for text books. In the state constitution, it says that the State of Indiana will provide a free education for children but then we charge for the books. HB 1123 & SB 395 propose elimination of textbook fees.

What’s your favorite book of all time?

“Mistaken Identity: Two Families, One Survivor, Unwavering Hope” by Don Van Ryn. This book is sad but such a story of faith. I read this book every spring to help renew my faith in the world.

What was your favorite book as a child?

“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” by Judith Viorst. I remember this book being read to me in elementary school and I just loved it. Now as an adult, I feel bad for Alexander! Poor kid, he was having the most horrible day. I can remember as a kid though, I would laugh and laugh about Alexander’s very bad day.

Is there a book you like to give as a gift?

Maria Norman has served on the Fort Wayne Community Schools’ Board of Trustees since April 2017 and feels honored to be a voice for students and families. She has received Fort Wayne Business Weekly’s Top 40 Under 40, IPFW’s Top 50 award, and the Indiana School Board Association’s Exemplary Governance Award for continued education as a school board member. Maria has been married to her husband, Amos, for 15 years and together they have one son, Elijah. When Maria isn’t doing school board stuff, she is busy being Elijah’s taxi driver, a swim and basketball mom, a wife, an aunt, a daughter, a small group leader at her church, and PTA President!

It depends on the recipient. If I am going to a baby shower, I always take “The Going To Bed Book” by Sandra Boynton. I read this book almost every night to my son, and we loved it.

Who is your favorite author?

This is hard! Can I say JK Rowling? I’ve read all the Harry Potter books.

Is the movie ever as good as the book?

No way! Your mind always paints a better depiction of the story than a movie ever could.

Is there a fictional character you identify with?

Hermione Granger from Harry Potter. She is very smart and witty and is kind of bossy that’s me!

Real books or e-reader? Or audio books?

Real books! Something about holding the book, turning the pages, and the smell takes reading to a whole other level. a