Mondays with Mike: Why Reading Still Matters
How Books Form Our Children in a Digital World
PCA families,
In a world racing toward the future—AI, automation, and endless digital noise—what if one of the most powerful ways to shape your child’s soul is also the oldest?
Welcome to the second episode in our Mondays with Mike summer series. Last time, we looked ahead to the year 2050 and the world our children will inherit. In the next episode, I’ll speak with Dr. Connie Lawrence about AI and how we lead wisely as it rapidly expands in our lives.
But this week, we return to something ancient and essential: the habit of reading deeply.
I speak with PCA mom and cultural consultant Susan Arico about how literature—especially old books—forms our children’s attention, character, and imagination in ways screens and shortcuts simply cannot.
With you in Christ as we read and ponder deeply,
Mike Runey
Key Takeaways
- Reading Literature Trains the Soul.
Great stories shape imagination, build empathy, and stretch attention—forming hearts and minds toward virtue, not just knowledge. - Reading Whole Books Builds Endurance and Depth
Unlike summaries or movie adaptations, reading full narratives develops critical formation skills—like sustained attention and big-picture thinking. - Old Books Anchor Us in Timeless Truth.
As C.S. Lewis advised, reading older works helps us step outside our own cultural moment. Susan encourages a rhythm: one old book for every new one. - Reading Aloud Builds Bonds—at Any Age.
Whether over dinner, on a road trip, or around a campfire, reading aloud fosters joy, memory, and shared formation across generations. - Attention Is Fragile—but Restorable.
In a distracted world, helping our children become readers is one of the most countercultural and formative gifts we can give them.
Resources Susan Mentioned and Recommends
- Mensa Excellence in Reading Lists
Curated by Mensa for Kids, these lists span elementary through high school. Excellent for strong independent readers looking for classic works.
Recommended for: Elementary – Upper School - The Well-Educated Mind Reading List (via T.L. Wright)
A robust guide to classical and literary works organized by genre. Ideal for adults and older students who want to grow in deep reading.
Recommended for: Upper School Students, Parents, and Faculty - Redeemed Reader Booklists
Christian reviews of current children’s and YA literature. Helps families choose books that align with biblical values.
Recommended for: Parents (all grades), especially discerning book choices for home - Read-Aloud Revival Recommendations
Helpful for building a reading culture through family read-alouds. Includes age-based book lists and tips.
Recommended for: Lower School and Middle School Parents
“It is a good rule, after reading a new book, never to allow yourself another new one till you have read an old one in between.”
C.S. Lewis on Old vs. New Books
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