January 10, 2010

The Bartender Who Likes Reading

Last week, I was working my theater job, reading a book during Act I. A young bartender came up to me and asked me what I was reading. It just so happens that I was reading Hell Is Other Parents. I described it to him briefly and then he told me that he only recently acquired the ability to read a book through to the end. He's been reading non-stop for the last year.

He explained to me that about a year ago he had himself tested for ADD. He was prescribed a medication and for the first time in his life he could enjoy reading.

His inability to read well caused him to drop out of high school. Now in his early 30's he is earning his GED. He has a good friend working with him on math and he's been taking practice tests so he can be ready for the his big exam in April.

I was so interested in speaking with him, I kept asking him questions - about his family; about his life - and he answered every one. Sadly our conversation had to end because Act I was almost finished. He had to set up his bar and I had to stand by my headset console.

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