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76ers All-Star Reading Team - Tom McGinnis

What was your favorite children's book growing up and why?

  • Lyle Crocodile - It was set in New York City and Lyle had a breezy, friendly style about him, for a crocodile anyway. I remember seeing Bank Street in Manhattan years later as an adult and saying "Hey, that's where Lyle lived!"

    What is your favorite book now and why?

  • Charlie's Travels by John Steinbeck - The book is a travel book by Steinbeck set in the early 1960's. It is a true story of his trip around the Continental US. Here's one of the great American writer providing what America was like back then and it's just a neat insight to seeing all parts of the country. I love to travel and I've always wanted to do what he did on that trip. He had a special built camper and drove the route. Charlie was his dog.

    What book has had a major impact on your life and why?

  • I don't know that I can single out any one book for that purpose, but I enjoy reading biographies and learning about people tends to stick with you and allow one self the chance to grow from other people's experiences.

    Who got you interested in reading?

  • My parents were always reading and they still do today. Plus, I grew up across the street from the Library. My older brother was a book editor and all of these folks had such a broad knowledge of so many different subjects. This was quite alluring for a young person and that intrigued me.

    Is reading an important part of your profession?

  • I would say so. I am an announcer on the radio so I am constantly reading background information on players and teams. Plus, I think literature in a large sense has contributed to my vocabulary. Furthermore, by having a large appetitie for the printed word, it is provided me with multiple ways to describe scenarios. So, I find it to be integral to who I am as a broadcaster and that it helped shape me style of speaking on the radio as much as anything else.

    Why is reading important?

  • First of all it gives you great exposure to the language. Secondly it allows one to learn so much information about other places, people and history. So it is an important element in the education process. In addition, by reading and learning from other situations in the end I think we can learn more about ourselves. It is a paramount importance in helping us learn how to communicate both verbally and through writing.

    Why do you love to read?

  • Reading is fundamental! It is challenging. It is a big part of escapism. It allows you to imagine. It is awesome! One of the best things in life!