"It’s important to engage with a variety of voices and lived experience, and books provide that powerfully. A good book not only transports but transforms." Jason Crane, book lover and new dad.
Five minutes with Jason and LaShaan and you’re feeling all the feels. Their love for each other and their new son, Naim, is palpable. For new parents, they embody confidence and peace not only in their love for each other, but in their new journey with Naim that makes you want to get even a slice of what they have.
Jason remembers that LaShaan’s love for books is one of the things that instantly drew him to her. “I think that in terms of love of books, that was one of the things that attracted me to you so deeply,” he said to LaShaan. “You have an intellectualism that's very organic and so damn sexy. I'm sorry. Yeah, so there's a term called sapiosexual. I don't know if any of you've heard of that, but it's actually an attraction to intelligence. Don't get me wrong, [she’s] drop dead gorgeous from head to toe, but add to that the fact that [she’s] kind of a nerd too, like me. It's perfect.”
A Family's Foundation in Books
For LaShaan, her love for books began early, with childhood favorites like The Secret Garden sparking a lifelong passion. "I remember one of my favorite books from my childhood was The Secret Garden. I would read it over and over again and imagine this luscious, fantastical, beautiful plant world," she said. This early love of reading is something she and Jason are eager to pass on to Naim.
Jason shares this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of diverse perspectives and knowledge in their family's reading habits. "Reading exposes us to different perspectives, different forms of knowledge," he explained. "It’s important to engage with a variety of voices and lived experience, and books provide that powerfully. A good book not only transports but transforms."
How do you choose a book for a book club?
- Understand the preferences and reading habits of your book club members. Are they fans of specific genres such as mystery, historical fiction, or contemporary literature? Do they prefer a challenging read or something lighter?
- Rotate themes or genres each month to keep the selection process structured and ensure variety. For instance, one month could be dedicated to non-fiction, the next to science fiction, and so on.
- Choose books that are not too long to ensure that everyone has time to read them. Consider also the availability of the book; it should be easily accessible for purchase or borrowing.
- Select books that have depth and multiple layers of meaning. Books with complex characters, intriguing plots, or thought-provoking themes generally make for richer discussion.
- Look at reviews and ratings on sites like Goodreads, Amazon, or literary blogs. Books that provoke mixed reactions can often lead to the most engaging discussions.
- Aim to include diverse authors and perspectives in your selections. This can open conversations about different cultures, historical periods, and life experiences.
- If possible, pre-read the book or at least skim it to ensure it meets the club's criteria and is discussion-worthy.
- If you're stuck between a few choices, consider polling your members to vote on their preferred next read. This ensures that everyone feels they have a say in the selection process.
- Have a list of potential books ready for future meetings. This can help in organizing the club better and gives members a chance to acquire books in advance.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different selections and rotate the responsibility of book selection among members. This can introduce the group to a wide range of books they might not have otherwise considered. |
Baby Tula: More Than Just a Carrier
When it comes to integrating Naim into their daily lives, the Crane family turns to Baby Tula carriers. Jason said, "The Tula line has been a game-changer in that sense that we can literally do anything with him throughout the day. And he's right there, on board, comfortable. And sometimes, I hate to admit it, it's like we almost forget he's there sometimes. Because he's so chill."
LaShaan also added her love for the style and variety. "We still need to look good, dude," she laughed.
The Benefits of Reading and Babywearing
The benefits of babywearing have been obvious for this family. Jason notes that it allows them to continue enjoying their hobbies and daily activities without missing a beat. "We have a lot of different hobbies and interests, and one of the things we love to do together is make music. He's our number one fan," he shared.
The couple also uses their Tula carrier to maintain their active, socially conscious lifestyle, ensuring Naim is right by their side. LaShaan added, "Most of the time he's asleep. People are like 'I can't believe he's still asleep.' You'd be amazed at the stuff that he sleeps right through."
A Legacy of Love and Literacy
The Crane family's story is one of love—love for each other, love for books, and love for a life of intellectual and cultural engagement. With Baby Tula, they navigate the complexities of parenting with style, comfort, and a connection to their passions. As Jason put it, "It’s like the world's falling apart, and at the same time, this beautiful world is being created."
Best Baby Books to Read by Age0-1 Year: Sensory and Interaction - "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle - "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown 1-2 Years: Vocabulary Building - "Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What Do You See?" by Bill Martin Jr. and Eric Carle - "Chicka Chicka Boom Boom" by Bill Martin Jr. and John Archambault - "Where’s Spot?" by Eric Hill - "Guess How Much I Love You" by Sam McBratney 2-3 Years: Story and Rhythm - "We’re Going on a Bear Hunt" by Michael Rosen - "The Gruffalo" by Julia Donaldson - "Room on the Broom" by Julia Donaldson - "Dragons Love Tacos" by Adam Rubin 3-4 Years: Early Concepts and Imagination - "Green Eggs and Ham" by Dr. Seuss - "The Very Busy Spider" by Eric Carle |
For families like Jason, LaShaan, and Naim, Baby Tula is more than a carrier—it's a part of their journey, enabling them to share their world of books and beauty with the next generation.
Shop the carriers Jason and LaShaan love: