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.
Okay, I'll wish you good luck. Good Luck.
ReplyDeleteI 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
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!