_Treasure Island_

My English literature class starts in two days. I’m supposed to have read 12 chapters of Treasure Island by then, so we can discuss it. The class is only one student and three adults: me, my co-teacher, and the boy’s mother. The student learned English as his second language and does not like to talk much. His mother rejoiced that he would not be able to hide behind other students’ comments. So we’re running the class anyway.

I delayed finding my copies of Treasure Island; I own at least two copies from previous classes and from giving it as a gift to my children. I remember what both copies look like and have seen both copies in this house within the last few years. But where? I didn’t even check. I found the book available free on Project Gutenberg, with illustrations.

Then my mother went on hospice. I went to see her all last week. Saturday I returned and slept. Sunday I taught Sunday School to a group of 7 and 8 year olds, with a faithful co-teacher who was ready to fill in if I was too tired. Inspiration came when I prayed over that class and it went well. Praise God!

It’s Labor Day; my son is away from home playing Fantasy Age with friends. My daughter and I were up very late talking; I arose before her and had several hours of quiet. I don’t want to read Treasure Island alone and silent. I’ve thought for a while that I should record myself reading dramatically. Perhaps it would find an interested audience online.

I read seven chapters of it into my computer. It sounds good on playback. It will need a little editing. But I enjoyed reading it and my daughter didn’t come downstairs until the middle of the eighth chapter. That’s a pretty good start!