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At 98, He Completed a Children’s Reading Challenge for the Second Year in a Row

From La Nación · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

In-depth Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Abner Gaston Jr., 98, completed the San Diego Public Library’s summer reading challenge for the second consecutive year.
  • Participants had to read at least 10 books or spend 10 hours reading, and Gaston chose titles including Dr. Seuss books, The Berenstain Bears and the Bible.
  • His son says reading helps keep Gaston active, engaged and connected with other people.

At 98, Abner Gaston Jr. has completed a summer reading challenge designed mainly for elementary school students, doing so for the second consecutive year.

stop thinking about things

· Abner Gaston Jr.He explained why reading gives him a peaceful moment during the day.

The San Diego Public Library program required participants to read at least 10 books or spend 10 hours reading over the summer. Gaston’s family drove him to the library and accompanied him home.

He once preferred long history books. Today, he chooses children’s books and the Bible, including Green Eggs and Ham, The Cat in the Hat and The Berenstain Bears Forget Their Manners. Gaston said books help him “stop thinking about things” and find a quiet moment in his day.

what keeps him alive

· Irvin GastonHis son linked Abner’s reading habit to his longevity.

His son, 70-year-old Irvin Gaston, connects the daily routine with his father’s longevity. Reading gives Abner something to do, helps him stay active and offers a reason to leave home and meet other people. Irvin described reading as, in part, “what keeps him alive.”

brain

· Irvin GastonIrvin recalled that his father wanted to focus more on intellectual work than manual labor.

Reading has accompanied Gaston since childhood in Palestine, Texas, where he learned in segregated public schools and developed an interest in history. He later worked as a mechanic, raised four children with his wife, Norma, and studied history at a San Diego community college. His son said Abner wanted to use his “brain” more than his hands. Gaston now says he feels “blessed” to retain the ability to read and learn about other people.

blessed

· Abner Gaston Jr.He expressed gratitude for retaining the ability to read.
About this summary

Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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