Wherever Bettina Khan goes, she arrives sporting a smile radiating with energy. Her gale force of curiosity, imagination, and creativity have spun her all the way to London, New York and back. The source of her electric nature may be traced back to a book profoundly enjoyed by many A Good Book Drive supporter: Oh the Places You’ll Go by Dr. Suess.
Like many immigrant kids, Bettina's first exposure to this Dr. Suess treasure speaks to a childhood spent seeking shelter and comfort in the company of books: “I grew up in a predominantly white neighbourhood and faced racism and bullying. I most appreciated the peculiar nature of this book. The writing, characters and illustrations were unlike anything I had seen. I was drawn to the book because Dr. Seuss was unapologetically unique and kind of weird. I felt connected to not fitting into the norm and confident that despite being different, I am awesome.”
As she grew up to become the fearless woman she is today, Bettina recalls how this book affected her life at two distinct times: “The first is crouching in my elementary school library, devouring the colourful images and strange characters. The second is the night before I embarked on an epic journey overseas which lasted five years. This choice meant that my then boyfriend, now hero husband, and I would begin a painful and heart wrenching long distance relationship. He was opening his first business and I was accepting an investment banking position in London. I knew three things: one: our lives would transform dramatically; two: the path would be rough, untraveled and very dark at times; and three: no matter what, we were going to make it through stronger and more in love than ever before.”
Exactly one week left to pass on a life’s worth of inspiration to a generation of new readers, dreamers, and doers. Donate your books at any of these great local spots.
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A Good Book Drive is an annual book drive to bring stories to a new generation of readers, and support kids in need of new books. Running through the month of November, A Good Book Drive will be inspiring Vancouverites to purchase a new copy of their favorite kids’ book and deliver it to set locations throughout the city. At these drop off locations you can personalize your donation with a special bookplate, sharing the story of why that book is special to you. All books will be donated to this year’s book drive recipient, One to One: A Children’s Literacy Program. Share your favourite stories with A Good Book Drive onTwitter, Facebook and Instagram. |
