Ok, so I initially thought I'd be 'blog crazy' and writing weekly, if not daily, but once again, life stepped in and it's been months (maybe longer..hmmm....). Anyway, I'm back, and though some things have changed, most still remain the same (like the Led Zep song!).
I'm still reading like a fiend, though I have made the conversion from paper to e-books (yes, I still shudder too, and miss the touch and feel and smell of 'paper') BUT, the reality is, it's easier, more convenient and it's like the feeling of having a hidden chocolate bar in your purse that only you know about (what? you don't do that????!!!) because I can walk around with my tablet and know that I have, not only the library and ebook stores at my fingers, but many unread books sitting quietly waiting their turn, without 'weighing' me down. It's like a diet, for the books!
We've also moved - since 'the boy' is finishing up his 2nd year of university and rarely comes home :-( we decided to venture 'downtown' and do the condo route. I won't bore you with the stories of my frantically trying to maneuver my new SUV ('new' is another story for another day) into a teeny tiny parking space, or how the first time I attempted to 'leave' the underground, I drove all the way down to the basement, had to attempt a 3 point turn (attempt, meaning 23 point turn, sweating, panicking, but I did it!) and still trying to figure out if anyone lives in this building (it's been two weeks and I've yet to see one person in the elevator or underground, which feeds into my Stephen King's The Shining (Jack Nicholson screaming, "Here's Johnny") recurring nightmare.
But I digress. This is a 'catch up'. There will be time for stories in the days/weeks to come. I will share stories of my new 'friends' (we're friends, we just haven't met yet) who live a simple 'viewing distance' away (as I sit here typing, I can feel 'Art Garfunkel' staring at my back). "Art Garfunkel", the woman who sits at her MAC typing away (possibly about ME????) who from the back, complete with bald spot, looks exactly like Art Garfunkel. "Bongboy", a few apartments over, who sits shirtless (that's all I can see) and plays video games, chills on facebook, and well.....uses his bong! "Light Changing Dude", who seems to turn the light on and off in one room, alot. And a cast of others I am trying furiously to 'meet'.
City life is wonderful - we are walking everywhere, though I have yet to figure out how to take the stairs down to the parking garage (one of my 'goals' - I like to keep 'em small). I tried it and ended up leaving the building, walking back in, back upstairs, and taking the elevator. That should count as my exercise for the next few weeks.
Reminders: I blog for me - it's my outlet - my way of sharing, communicating, amusing, whatever. If you like what I have to say, please comment, if not, well, that's what that delete button is for.
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
Showing posts with label reading. Show all posts
22.11.09
For the Love of Reading
I love to read, so why do I read books I don’t love?
Why do I pick books off the shelves at the library and the bookstores that I ‘should’ be reading, or have ‘heard’ I would love.
Why do I struggle and continue reading something that I don’t understand or care about?
I’m one of those people that remember a lot of books and a lot about books. Not necessarily where they took place and how it ended, but rather, who wrote it, what the cover looked like and more importantly, if it impacted me.
I started reading a book I had ‘heard’ was ‘the best’. It was so good that I couldn’t find it anywhere, (not at the library, nor in the bookstores), so of course, I ‘had’ to have it, and ordered it online. In the interim, I fidgeted and fumed, and read some ‘lighter’ reading (for me, that’s Harlan Coben, Greg Iles, anything fast paced that moves) and rested my brain, in anticipation of ‘the one’.
So the ‘one’ arrives and I was dismayed to see that the print was rather small. No worries – I indulge in reading glasses from time to time (MOST times) and was prepared. I started reading, intent on the ‘experience’ of something special.
Page 2 – I’m lost. What the f*#k is this book about? I’m starting to panic. Lots of big words and characters I don’t care about. What do I do? Is it me? Why don’t I like this? Am I not smart enough to ‘get’ it? Plus the fact that it’s garnered rave reviews everywhere as one of ‘the best’. Maybe I’m not the reader I thought I was (which means exactly what, by the way?). So what do I do? Continue of course.
My reading slows to a snail’s pace. I dread my ‘alone time’, lunch time, time to read! Dreaded book! On page 15 now and I’m skimming some parts and of course, don’t ‘get’ it and can tell there is tons of foreshadowing of ‘something’ momentous that is the pivotal and life changing moment of the story, but I don’t care enough to guess and am just miserable. I start thinking it’s time for an ‘upstairs’ or ‘car’ book.
An upstairs or car book, or whatever you want to label them, are the books you read when you really want to read. They help you avoid the dreaded slump.
Sometimes I do ‘slump’. By slumping, I mean, I panic and forget WHY I read. What I love about the ‘escape’ and how effortless a good book can be to read. I get ‘caught up’ every now and then, because I am such a ‘reader’ that people assume I have read every and all things. Mention an author to me, and I’ll fire back with, “Oh yes, he’s known for unlikeable characters, example, xxxxxx, or ‘Yes indeed, she’s quite prolific and started writing at a very young age and is still writing into her 80s”. I’ve read neither of these authors, of course.
I love to know what everyone else is reading and am constantly compiling lists of ‘must reads’ want to reads, reserving like crazy at the library, and searching ‘best of’ lists on the ‘net.
I’m constantly changing ‘my’ rules. Do I give up after the first chapter?
First page?
First sentence?
Sometimes I just don’t know what I’m in the mood for and I will happily place myself on the floor of my office and surround myself with library and ‘owned’ books and pick up the ones that appeal to me (known author, attractive cover, etc.) and read the opening sentence, back flap, appraise the text size, etc.). I try and quell the rising panic that escalates with each picked up and tossed aside book, while I frantically try and ‘remember’ why I love reading and what exactly I feel like reading. Sometimes I make mistakes and pick up something that is ‘supposed’ to be good. You know what that’s like; it’s like eating something that your mother told you is ‘good for you’. Tastes like crap. Then again, it IS good for you, so as I weigh a tome by A.S. Byatt against the latest Nick Hornby, and then let my eyes drift over (once again) to the ‘patiently waiting it’s turn’ Kristin Lavansdattar or The Far Pavillions, or upcoming book club selection, I resort back to my library picks, because they have a ‘time limit’. I break down my selections by size, due date, cover, etc., and then start reading a line, a paragraph, a page, until, miraculously, I find myself engrossed.
Oh yeah, that ‘other’ book, I’m still reading it, I’ve just temporarily forgotten that I have.
Why do I pick books off the shelves at the library and the bookstores that I ‘should’ be reading, or have ‘heard’ I would love.
Why do I struggle and continue reading something that I don’t understand or care about?
I’m one of those people that remember a lot of books and a lot about books. Not necessarily where they took place and how it ended, but rather, who wrote it, what the cover looked like and more importantly, if it impacted me.
I started reading a book I had ‘heard’ was ‘the best’. It was so good that I couldn’t find it anywhere, (not at the library, nor in the bookstores), so of course, I ‘had’ to have it, and ordered it online. In the interim, I fidgeted and fumed, and read some ‘lighter’ reading (for me, that’s Harlan Coben, Greg Iles, anything fast paced that moves) and rested my brain, in anticipation of ‘the one’.
So the ‘one’ arrives and I was dismayed to see that the print was rather small. No worries – I indulge in reading glasses from time to time (MOST times) and was prepared. I started reading, intent on the ‘experience’ of something special.
Page 2 – I’m lost. What the f*#k is this book about? I’m starting to panic. Lots of big words and characters I don’t care about. What do I do? Is it me? Why don’t I like this? Am I not smart enough to ‘get’ it? Plus the fact that it’s garnered rave reviews everywhere as one of ‘the best’. Maybe I’m not the reader I thought I was (which means exactly what, by the way?). So what do I do? Continue of course.
My reading slows to a snail’s pace. I dread my ‘alone time’, lunch time, time to read! Dreaded book! On page 15 now and I’m skimming some parts and of course, don’t ‘get’ it and can tell there is tons of foreshadowing of ‘something’ momentous that is the pivotal and life changing moment of the story, but I don’t care enough to guess and am just miserable. I start thinking it’s time for an ‘upstairs’ or ‘car’ book.
An upstairs or car book, or whatever you want to label them, are the books you read when you really want to read. They help you avoid the dreaded slump.
Sometimes I do ‘slump’. By slumping, I mean, I panic and forget WHY I read. What I love about the ‘escape’ and how effortless a good book can be to read. I get ‘caught up’ every now and then, because I am such a ‘reader’ that people assume I have read every and all things. Mention an author to me, and I’ll fire back with, “Oh yes, he’s known for unlikeable characters, example, xxxxxx, or ‘Yes indeed, she’s quite prolific and started writing at a very young age and is still writing into her 80s”. I’ve read neither of these authors, of course.
I love to know what everyone else is reading and am constantly compiling lists of ‘must reads’ want to reads, reserving like crazy at the library, and searching ‘best of’ lists on the ‘net.
I’m constantly changing ‘my’ rules. Do I give up after the first chapter?
First page?
First sentence?
Sometimes I just don’t know what I’m in the mood for and I will happily place myself on the floor of my office and surround myself with library and ‘owned’ books and pick up the ones that appeal to me (known author, attractive cover, etc.) and read the opening sentence, back flap, appraise the text size, etc.). I try and quell the rising panic that escalates with each picked up and tossed aside book, while I frantically try and ‘remember’ why I love reading and what exactly I feel like reading. Sometimes I make mistakes and pick up something that is ‘supposed’ to be good. You know what that’s like; it’s like eating something that your mother told you is ‘good for you’. Tastes like crap. Then again, it IS good for you, so as I weigh a tome by A.S. Byatt against the latest Nick Hornby, and then let my eyes drift over (once again) to the ‘patiently waiting it’s turn’ Kristin Lavansdattar or The Far Pavillions, or upcoming book club selection, I resort back to my library picks, because they have a ‘time limit’. I break down my selections by size, due date, cover, etc., and then start reading a line, a paragraph, a page, until, miraculously, I find myself engrossed.
Oh yeah, that ‘other’ book, I’m still reading it, I’ve just temporarily forgotten that I have.
16.11.09
To Have and Have Not!
My name is Karen and I am a biblioholic.
According to Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction by Tom Raabe, the definition is:
Book, of books; the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess.
Guilty as charged.
I own hundreds (if not more) of unread books, that at one time or another, I ‘had’ to have, and no amount of library reserves, garage sale finds or recent purchases could quench my desire to ‘have it and have it now’.
I’ve maxed out my ’50 book limit’ on my library’s website, and have a ready list of ‘next in lines’ waiting patiently (actually, impatiently) their turn to be added on. Most of the books I bring home from the library return unread, sometimes to be reserved again, usually not. It’s ALMOST as good as reading the book, just knowing that I have ‘had’ it, held it, and debated about reading it.
I go in spurts where I must read everything I can on Henry VIII and I stalk the discount shelves at my local bookstore as well as peruse the shelves at any and all used bookstores. Then there is my recent YA (young adult) addiction, probably starting with the Twilight series (devoured all 4 books) and moving onto Inkheart (I own the next two in the series but have yet to read them, but at least I ‘have’ them),and The Pretties series (almost finished with the final one, that I ‘have’ and is waiting it’s turn to be read). I had heard about The Hunger Games this past summer and knew I had to have it and read it, and then fumed impatiently for September 1st to roll around when the 2nd in the series, Catching Fire was released. I ran to the bookstore THAT DAY and bought it. Brought it home, held it, read the inside flap, the first page, and then put it away for a few weeks.
One of my biggest fears is that I’ll have nothing to read, and so I have a ‘car’ book (usually a short story collection, self help/spiritual, or memoir), up and downstairs books, bathroom books and of course, the ‘saved’ BFBs (big fat books) or desert island books. I have had some of these for years. They are special books. I’m ‘saving’ them for just the ‘right time’. Every now and then I dip in and ‘taste’ one, and decide that ‘now’ is not the right time to invest my time.
Some of the ‘must own’ and ‘scoured the city’ for BFBs that I own (and probably will never read, though every year I ‘vow’ and make ‘reading lists/goals’ and include them, are:
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, a massive tome, at over 1000 pages. The author won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928 and some consider one of the best books ever written.
Yeah, I’ve owned it for about 5 years now.
The Far Pavillions by M.M. Kaye, just under 1000 pages. I adore Indian themed novels, and this is supposedly one of the ‘good ones’ as well.
Owned for at least 5 years too.
I’m also one of ‘those people’ that you either abhor or love, that will approach you (you, being a complete stranger) in a bookstore, peer over your shoulder at the (hopefully) stack of books in your hands, and comment. I’ve been known to ‘walk the shelves’ with many a stranger and friend, recommending and insisting ‘you must read this!’.
I love being asked to recommend something, though I need specifics. I mean, you don’t expect a dietician to tell you what to eat just because you say you’re hungry.
What are you in the mood for? Sweet? Spicy?
I might not have the same tastes as you, but I love a challenge.
Tell me your 5 favorite reads of all time (oh just do it!) and/or the last few amazing books you read, and what’s important to YOU as a reader, (not everyone likes/needs a happy ending, poetic writing, or likeable characters).
By the way, some of the signs that YOU TOO are a biblioholic:
1. you own more than one copy of the same book (NOT on purpose)
2. there are books in every room of your home (or at least the rooms that YOU occupy)
3. your idea of an exciting event is an author reading AND signing
4. you’re wondering if Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction really is a book and if so, how quickly can you get your hands on it! (hint: click on the link!
My name is Karen, and I’m a biblioholic and I’m okay with that.
According to Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction by Tom Raabe, the definition is:
Book, of books; the habitual longing to purchase, read, store, admire and consume books in excess.
Guilty as charged.
I own hundreds (if not more) of unread books, that at one time or another, I ‘had’ to have, and no amount of library reserves, garage sale finds or recent purchases could quench my desire to ‘have it and have it now’.
I’ve maxed out my ’50 book limit’ on my library’s website, and have a ready list of ‘next in lines’ waiting patiently (actually, impatiently) their turn to be added on. Most of the books I bring home from the library return unread, sometimes to be reserved again, usually not. It’s ALMOST as good as reading the book, just knowing that I have ‘had’ it, held it, and debated about reading it.
I go in spurts where I must read everything I can on Henry VIII and I stalk the discount shelves at my local bookstore as well as peruse the shelves at any and all used bookstores. Then there is my recent YA (young adult) addiction, probably starting with the Twilight series (devoured all 4 books) and moving onto Inkheart (I own the next two in the series but have yet to read them, but at least I ‘have’ them),and The Pretties series (almost finished with the final one, that I ‘have’ and is waiting it’s turn to be read). I had heard about The Hunger Games this past summer and knew I had to have it and read it, and then fumed impatiently for September 1st to roll around when the 2nd in the series, Catching Fire was released. I ran to the bookstore THAT DAY and bought it. Brought it home, held it, read the inside flap, the first page, and then put it away for a few weeks.
One of my biggest fears is that I’ll have nothing to read, and so I have a ‘car’ book (usually a short story collection, self help/spiritual, or memoir), up and downstairs books, bathroom books and of course, the ‘saved’ BFBs (big fat books) or desert island books. I have had some of these for years. They are special books. I’m ‘saving’ them for just the ‘right time’. Every now and then I dip in and ‘taste’ one, and decide that ‘now’ is not the right time to invest my time.
Some of the ‘must own’ and ‘scoured the city’ for BFBs that I own (and probably will never read, though every year I ‘vow’ and make ‘reading lists/goals’ and include them, are:
Kristin Lavransdatter by Sigrid Undset, a massive tome, at over 1000 pages. The author won the Nobel Prize for literature in 1928 and some consider one of the best books ever written.
Yeah, I’ve owned it for about 5 years now.
The Far Pavillions by M.M. Kaye, just under 1000 pages. I adore Indian themed novels, and this is supposedly one of the ‘good ones’ as well.
Owned for at least 5 years too.
I’m also one of ‘those people’ that you either abhor or love, that will approach you (you, being a complete stranger) in a bookstore, peer over your shoulder at the (hopefully) stack of books in your hands, and comment. I’ve been known to ‘walk the shelves’ with many a stranger and friend, recommending and insisting ‘you must read this!’.
I love being asked to recommend something, though I need specifics. I mean, you don’t expect a dietician to tell you what to eat just because you say you’re hungry.
What are you in the mood for? Sweet? Spicy?
I might not have the same tastes as you, but I love a challenge.
Tell me your 5 favorite reads of all time (oh just do it!) and/or the last few amazing books you read, and what’s important to YOU as a reader, (not everyone likes/needs a happy ending, poetic writing, or likeable characters).
By the way, some of the signs that YOU TOO are a biblioholic:
1. you own more than one copy of the same book (NOT on purpose)
2. there are books in every room of your home (or at least the rooms that YOU occupy)
3. your idea of an exciting event is an author reading AND signing
4. you’re wondering if Biblioholism, the Literary Addiction really is a book and if so, how quickly can you get your hands on it! (hint: click on the link!
My name is Karen, and I’m a biblioholic and I’m okay with that.
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