I need get back into reading again. For about a year, ending last spring, I was doing fairly well. I read a number of books, both fiction and non-fiction, and really enjoyed it. However, over the past six months I've really only been reading on the internet and in magazines.
There are a lot of books I want to read, but the process of getting into a book is difficult for me due to distractions. And by distractions, I mean, other priorities. Whenever I think of starting a book, I always feel like there are more important things for me to be doing.
I feel that less with non-fiction, because with non-fiction, I can at least use the excuse that it's educational. Therefore, it's easier for me to pick up books on art, history, or science.
Non-fiction, to me, is primarily entertainment; and while I acknowledge that it's just about the most deeply absorbing entertainment there is, it's also a magnificent time investment. That means when I'm in bed thinking of reading, I'm likely to decide instead to just watch TV for 15 minutes until I fall asleep, or skim a magazine article, or just sleep. Or watch part of one of the backlog of movies I've wanted to watch.
Now that daylight is short and temperatures are dropping, I think I'll invest more time in reading. Wish me luck in that. Here's a random list of some of the things I've been wanting to read:
The Poisonwood Bible by whatserface
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
Huckleberry Finn (re-read)
Game of Thrones by George R. R. Martin
History books about the Greeks, Romans, and the Mediterranean area generally; I have a couple to read
Bible and New Testament research such as Who Wrote the Gospels
That cute little biography of Squire Boone that I bought at the Squire Boone Caverns gift shop
Moby Dick
Non-fiction books on Israel and Palestine , Iran , Afghanistan , Pakistan
…just to name a few. There are lots more.
3 comments:
Okay, I'll wish you good luck. Good Luck.
I have been wanting to read some R.R. Martin books, but can't seem to get them started. I am currently reading "The Pluto Files" by Neil DeGrasse Tyson. Good luck with reading...just leave a stack of books in the bathroom. - Brian
I see you have Moby Dick listed as one of your options. That's a great choice; it may be the greatest book written by an American.
I am almost through reading it again. It you haven't read it already, just be forewarned that it isn't like any other book. It's epic poetry - and much more. Melville uses a whaling voyage as the vehicle to explore almost every theme you can imagine. His insights and commentary on human nature are timeless. This is a book you can return to every other year. I think the more time you spend with Moby Dick the deeper truths it reveals.
As an aside, I recommend the Modern Library version since it includes the wonderful illustrations by Rockwell Kent. Also, try reading a chapter or two a day. It may take 3 months to finish the entire book, but that is good. It allows more time for it to sink in. Anyway, enjoy whatever you chose to read!
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