“The slow climb. And then the plunge! The roller coaster whizzes, dips, and flips. Riders scream. But when the ride is over, they are ready for another thrill!”
I wrote those words as the introduction to a children’s nonfiction book about roller coasters several years ago. It was always one of my favorite books to read to the students when I visited schools because they all thought it was cool—and, I suppose it didn’t hurt that they thought that I, by extension, was cool as well. Little did they know that a roller coaster like that would send me hiding behind the nearest cotton candy stand.
Yes, I’ve written about roller coasters—but that doesn’t mean I love to ride them!
It’s not that I’ve never been on a roller coaster. As a teen, I would ride a few roller coasters when we went to the theme park because I didn’t want to be “that” kid—you know, the one who wimped out of the hurl-you-around-the-corner, flip-you-head-over-heels, pump-your-adrenaline-at-top-speed kinds of rides. But today, even the thought of getting on a roller coaster makes me ill.
Thankfully, there’s another kind of roller coaster I do like to ride—one that’s just as heart-flipping, stomach-swooping, and thrill-inducing. And all without any risk of motion sickness.
I’m talking about the roller coaster ride of a book, of course.
There’s the initial zing of the first meeting between the hero and the heroine. The anticipation of the climb as they get to know each other. The swoops and flips as they hold hands or kiss for the first time. The sharp, surprise turn of the plot twist. The heart-dropping realization that they can’t be together after all. The swoon of the loop-the-loop as they reconcile. The loss-of-gravity, floating-on-air sensation when they finally confess their love to each other. And then, finally, the satisfaction of coasting to a happily-ever-after. Followed immediately by wanting to do it all over again.
Thankfully, there are always plenty more books to ride—I mean, read!
And here’s something interesting: I’ve been researching skydiving (maaaaybe for a book!), and I’ve learned that it feels nothing like riding a roller coaster. Apparently, it feels more like floating than falling.
So what do you think: Would you rather ride a roller coaster or skydive? Or maybe just read about both of them in a book?
Valerie M. Bodden has three great loves: Jesus, her family, and books. And chocolate (okay, four great loves). She writes emotion-filled Christian fiction that weaves real-life problems, real-life people, and real-life faith. Her characters may (okay, will) experience some heartache along the way, but true to her tendencies as a hopeless romantic, she will always give them a happy ending. Valerie is living out her happily ever after in Wisconsin with her high-school-sweetheart-turned-husband and their four children. Visit her at www.valeriembodden.com to get a free story.
Definitely both belong in books!
I rode a roller coaster once, when I was four or five. They had to stop the ride and let me off because I was so scared. I never rode another. I don’t think I’ll even try skydiving. Reading about them in books is safer.
Hi Valerie! In the 1980s living in the Chicago area our family often went to Six Flags, so I have ridden some roller coasters. The last time I rode a roller coaster was 1999. As the advisor to the high school school newspaper The Drifter, Six Flags had a promotion for high school newspaper to test their new roller coaster The Raging Bull. Raging Bull is a steel roller coaster located at Six Flags Great America in Gurnee, Illinois. Designed by Werner Stengel and manufactured by Bolliger & Mabillard, the ride opened to the public on May 1, 1999. It features a 208-foot first drop, a maximum speed of 73 mph, and a track length of over 5,000 feet. In 2012 I rode some more family friendly roller coaster at Disneyland with my grandsons ages 7 & 5. As a retiree with osteoporosis, I am no longer as adventuresome. Enjoy your weekend.
Read a book about them.
I rode rollercoasters as a teenager, but not for a good 25 years! I definitely think reading about them is all I want to do nowadays.
I have a fear of heights, and while being in a plane doesn’t bother me, jumping out of that plane definitely would! And, there’s no way and no amount of money that could make me get on a roller coaster! So, I’ll just read about both in books, thank you very much!
I love your comparison of a roller coaster ride with reading a book :-) I didn’t ride roller coasters as a kid, saying I wanted to wait to do so with a boyfriend. Well, I finally rode the Matterhorn ride in Disneyland with my husband about 16 years ago, and decided I hadn’t missed anything :-) Reading a book is much more enjoyable :-)
Lol! I absolutely agree!
Oh no! That would be a traumatic experience. I don’t blame you for never riding another! Reading about them in books is definitely the safest (and you can always put the book down for a minute if it gets too intense!).
Hi Renate! I’ve been to Six Flags in Gurnee a couple of times (that’s where I made myself ride a couple of roller coasters!). I think the last time was probably in 1996 or so…I’m not sad to have missed the Raging Bull, lol! I much prefer the family-friendly coasters at Disney…although even some of those are a little too intense for me now. I guess I like to have my feet on the ground. :)
Me too! :)
I know what you mean! I may not have loved them as a teenager, but I could at least convince myself to go on one or two. Now, not so much!
Lol! I hear you! I’m not a huge fan of flying the way it is…but getting up there just to jump out of the plane? I don’t think I could make myself do it!
It was a fun comparison to write! :) I love that you waited to ride a roller coaster with your husband–who else are you going to hold onto for dear life, right! I completely agree that the roller coaster of a book is much more enjoyable than a real-life roller coaster.
I will read instead of actually participate, thank you. I have been on a roller coaster or two in my lifetime. I have never skydived, but my husband has. This sounds like a good survey topic for your newsletter. 😊
Hi, Valerie! I used to love roller coasters as a kid, but my bones/body would not thank me if I rode one now :o)
I am fine with just reading about both. Heights are sooooo not my thing
I used to love roller coasters. As I get older, I do not think that I could ride them anymore. I have no desire to jump out of a plane to sky dive. I can read about them both. Thank you so much for sharing. God bless you.
Oh wow, it’s cool that your husband has skydived! You’re right…this may have to become a newsletter survey in the near future!
That’s the thing! Even for people who enjoy roller coasters, I’m not sure they’re necessarily a lifetime activity. :)
I am totally with you about the heights thing! I much prefer to be on the ground. :)
It’s fun that you used to love them, though! I was never brave enough to feel that way about them, lol! Reading about them is much more my speed. :)
I loved rollercoasters. Been awhile since I rode one but use to love them when I would go to a place with them. Not sure I would sky dive. We had an acquaintance would see things like parasailing, hang gliding and sky diving etc on tv and say Oh I would do that in a flash if I didn’t have a back injury! I knew better if she didn’t have any issues no way would she do that. amazing how brave people are when they can’t do something.
Lol! Great observation! There are all kinds of things we can claim we’d do…when we know we have an excuse that means we won’t be put to the test! Glad you enjoy roller coasters–you’re braver than I am! :)