In her work, Anne Fadiman reflects on the importance of reading for pleasure in children, highlighting that many parents express concern about their kids not enjoying books. However, she observes that those children are often surrounded by books that remain unread, while their parents do not model reading behavior themselves. This lack of parental influence can lead to a culture where reading is not valued.

In contrast, Fadiman shares her experience of visiting homes filled with books, which suggests a nurturing environment for reading. In such homes, children are likely to engage with books, reflecting a lifestyle where reading is actively integrated into daily life. She illustrates this by envisioning a child's joyful reading moment in an inviting space filled with literature, emphasizing how parents' reading habits significantly impact their children's attitudes toward books.