March 24, 2017
Written by Katie Kuhn, United Way of Greater Milwaukee & Waukesha County
In celebration of National Reading Month, we asked local leaders about their reading experiences. Jonas Prising is Chairman and CEO of ManpowerGroup, and a co-chair for United Way’s 2017 Community Campaign.
Why is reading and learning to read so important?
Once children learn to read it’s like understanding a whole new language. Reading is a gateway to so many things: stimulating curiosity and imagination; lifelong learning about people, countries and events near and far away; and building a knowledgebase about topics so you can work out what you are passionate about. Reading never stops being key to all of those things and many more.
Describe your relationship with reading and books.
I’ve always been a voracious reader of all things that interest me. My tastes are very eclectic: news and business related topics; non-fiction books on economic and social issues; thrillers and mystery novels; biographies and, sometimes, back to my favorite childhood genre: science fiction. One of the best days is a quiet day with a great book or Sunday morning breakfast reading the global and local news, sipping a cappuccino. And, of course, reading with my children has always been a special kind of quality time.
What was your favorite book as a child?
My uncle introduced me to science fiction and fantasy. I loved the idea of exploring new worlds, imagining space travel and interacting with technology in new and fascinating ways. My favorite books were I, Robot by Robert Heinlein, followed closely by J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, and Arthur C. Clarke’s 2001: A Space Odyssey and Rendezvous with Rama. I’ve read them all more than once and enjoy something different every time!
What’s the last great book you read?
Fiction: Make Me by Lee Child
Non-fiction: The Rise and Fall of Nations: Forces of Change in the Post-Crisis World by Ruchir Sharma
Who is your favorite fictional hero or heroine?
Frodo (Tolkien, The Hobbit)
Who is your favorite antihero or villain?
It’s hard to decide between Hal the computer in a 2001: A Space Odyssey or Sauron in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
Is there a particular story you heard in your childhood that still sticks with you today?
It is probably the adventures of Robinson Crusoe and his story of overcoming challenges and never giving up that has stayed with me most since early childhood.
Volunteer and help kids learn to read! Sign up to be a Reading Buddy, help students pick out books at My Very Own Library, or host a book drive for United Way agencies with your family or work group. Contact Lori Hayes for more information.