A Long Time Ago... with Jason of This Dad Reads
Hello there.
And welcome back to A Long Time Ago… the series where I ask guests to share their favourite Star Wars story and historical site. This started as a tie-in to my first piece of traditionally published writing, the article ART WARS for Star Wars Insider #226. The whole archive of my exploration of fourteen ancient art sites and every Star Wars story on my shelves can be found here.
Today, I hand over to Jason!
He’s a lifelong nerd with a passion for all things pop culture. This Dad Reads launched in 2021 and shares Jason's takes on books, games, and collectibles across a monthly podcast (which regularly hosts author interviews), website and social media presence. Jason is based on California where he and his wife are raising their two children.
Jason’s Linktree.
In A Galaxy Far, Far Away…
Like many kids of the ’90s, my first trip to a galaxy far, far away started at a VHS rental store, where the worn covers of the original trilogy promised adventure. My high school and college years were filled with the theatrical rereleases and the prequel trilogy, but for a long time, Star Wars was something I watched, not something I read.
That changed in 2020 when I decided to dive into the novels in anticipation of a bold new era: The High Republic. By the time the initiative launched in early 2021, I was hooked. It’s kind of a cheat to say The High Republic is my favorite Star Wars story, but to be fair, it’s one massive, interconnected narrative. What makes it special isn’t just the stories, it’s the diversity of voices behind them, spanning novels, comics, manga, and more.
Even more than the content, it’s the community that captured my heart. During the pandemic years, when everyone was yearning for connection, The High Republic became a gathering place for fans across the globe. The High Republic didn’t just expand the galaxy, it expanded my circle of friends and reminded me why stories matter.
Though the era has since branched into visual media, the original three phases will always hold a special place in my heart. They gave me entertainment, lifelong friendships, and a deeper appreciation for the power of shared storytelling.
In Kings Canyon National Park, California, United States…
I was born, raised, and am raising my own family in California’s San Joaquin Valley. This region may not have the glamour of Los Angeles or San Francisco, but it’s rich in agriculture and surrounded by natural wonders. My favorite historical site is Grant’s Grove, a section of Kings Canyon National Park just a short drive from my home.
Home to the giant sequoias — including the General Grant Tree, known as the Nation’s Christmas Tree — Grant’s Grove is a place where history and beauty intertwine. My high school choir sang at its annual wreath ceremony, a tradition that left a lasting impression. Today, when I visit with my own children, I find myself lingering over the informative signs along the trails, soaking in the stories of these trees that have stood for millennia. There’s something humbling about walking among giants, knowing people from all over the world come to marvel at what’s in my backyard.
Whether it’s the towering sequoias of Grant’s Grove or the towering ideals of the Jedi, I’m drawn to places and stories that remind us of our small but meaningful role in something much bigger.
Thank you so much Jason!
Subscribe today to discover the next guest and their picks!
Cheers,
Harvey