Dinner Table Book

[Lucy_1]

My kids are grown (18-22), so we only eat dinner at the table about half the time, but I’d like to read a short excerpt from something to enrich our conversation or make dinner more pleasant. We used to do dinner table questions, but we’re tired of those.

It doesn’t have to be religious necessarily, and my husband and son aren’t practicing their faith, so I think the Lives of the Saints would be met with eye rolls. Neither should it be positive “inspirational” piffle, which would be met with eye rolls from all of us.

Malcolm Gladwell, CS Lewis, Oliver Sacks, or one of those 365 interesting fact books, etc. Anything weird or something like The Far Side would be fine. We just need something that’s easily accessible that can be read in short bursts.

 

[CelticWarlord]

Quite interesting, Lucy. Most often my wife and I will watch tv when eating. When the kids were small I would read a chapter of scripture after the meal was over, but never during. I did know a couple who habitually read (to themselves) during every meal in order to get their kids into a habit of reading. I don’t know if that worked out but quietly I did not approve at the time. If I’m by myself I almost always read while eating, but watching tv alone is enjoyable too.

 

[Pattylt]

Our Sunday dinners, when the kids were young teens or a bit younger consisted of watching Star Trek TNG. When it was over, we always discussed the show and what the main point was…often a morality issue or political or racial. My kids are in their forties now and not only remember it well, they wish there was a Sunday show like it for their family…and now, with reruns/Netflix, the can. They commented that they didn’t realize how beneficial it was at the time and remember fondly our discussions of how it reflected the world we live in then and today.

I’ve always felt that anything that leads to a good discussion is worth doing while eating dinner. For some reason, good food helps! :hugs:

 

[CelticWarlord]

I’ve always felt that anything that leads to a good discussion is worth doing while eating dinner.

I suspect many would agree. I’ve read that dinners in the home of George Washington were silent affairs. No one would speak unless George spoke first, and since it was reported that he never did, conversation waited until later.

When we’re at my inlaws place I can’t wait for the evening meal to end. That’s when conversation is expected and I hate that part of the visit. Evening is the only time we all eat together so I can understand that. But the moment I’m done eating I excuse myself and leave the table. After forty years of this they should be used to it. LOL