How Do You Read?
In my last post (which must have set a record for the number of comments on my blog!), several people mentioned two quirks about reading novels that fascinated me. The first is that they reread books they love. The second is that they read books quickly the first time, skipping details to find out how the stories end before going back to read in greater depth. This made me think about how I read as well as how I write.
I rarely reread books, even books that I absolutely adore. Only two stand out in my memory as books I've reread: Pat Conroy's Prince of Tides (because I wanted to explore how Conroy created the pained, sarcastic funniness of his main character) and DM Thomas's The White Hotel, (which I read two times, ten years apart, to see if it was as emotionally draining the second time around. It was). I've reread parts of many other books, studying them to see how the writer does what he or she does. I never studied writing in school, so I've made up for it by analyzing the work of writers I admire. But I'm fascinated that many of you read some books repeatedly for story alone -- for a story you already know. Don't get me wrong. I love that you reread my books, but I'd love to better understand what prompts you to do so.
And who among you is a "detail skipper"? I occasionally skim over details if I feel they're getting in the way of a story I'm reading. Usually I attribute that to either my impatience or to an overabundance of description that slows the story down. Then there are books where the writing is so seamless that I can't skip a single word.
Are you a "rereader"? A "detail skipper?" I'd love to know!
Finally, in my last post, I ran a teeny contest offering personalized bookplates for my new book, Secrets She Left Behind, to five commenters. I used my handy random number generator to determine the winners, and they are Ronnie, Lindsay, Ann, Ashley and Margo. Congratulations! Please send your snail mail addresses to me at diane@dianechamberlain.com and let me know if you want the bookplate personalized to you or someone else.
Happy reading (and rereading. . .)!
I rarely reread books, even books that I absolutely adore. Only two stand out in my memory as books I've reread: Pat Conroy's Prince of Tides (because I wanted to explore how Conroy created the pained, sarcastic funniness of his main character) and DM Thomas's The White Hotel, (which I read two times, ten years apart, to see if it was as emotionally draining the second time around. It was). I've reread parts of many other books, studying them to see how the writer does what he or she does. I never studied writing in school, so I've made up for it by analyzing the work of writers I admire. But I'm fascinated that many of you read some books repeatedly for story alone -- for a story you already know. Don't get me wrong. I love that you reread my books, but I'd love to better understand what prompts you to do so.
And who among you is a "detail skipper"? I occasionally skim over details if I feel they're getting in the way of a story I'm reading. Usually I attribute that to either my impatience or to an overabundance of description that slows the story down. Then there are books where the writing is so seamless that I can't skip a single word.
Are you a "rereader"? A "detail skipper?" I'd love to know!
Finally, in my last post, I ran a teeny contest offering personalized bookplates for my new book, Secrets She Left Behind, to five commenters. I used my handy random number generator to determine the winners, and they are Ronnie, Lindsay, Ann, Ashley and Margo. Congratulations! Please send your snail mail addresses to me at diane@dianechamberlain.com and let me know if you want the bookplate personalized to you or someone else.
Happy reading (and rereading. . .)!
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Liz
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May 31, 2009 09:13AM
I rarely reread books either. There are just too many that I want to read! I think the only book that I have ever really ever read is "She's Come Undone" and I am not a deatil skipper. I don't just read books I swallow them!
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Liz, you reminded me (with mention of She's Come Undone) that I HAVE reread another book: I Know This Much is True. I reread it before writing the character Marcus in Before the Storm and Secrets She Left Behind, because it helped me "get in the zone" with a male point of view.
I'm a rereader and a detail skipper. I think they kind of go hand in hand. I always find something I missed the first time around. For instance, I've read The Secret Life of CeeCee Wilkes and The Courage Tree multiple times and get something I've missed each time! Keep them coming!!!
I know this Much is True one of my favorite books of all time. That is actually one I have been meaning to read but it is so emotionally intense! What a great way to "get in the zone" of writing. Wally Lamb is amazing! Again I can't wait to start reading Secrets She Left Behind! I just need to finish Firefly Lane and oh yeah finish writing my paper :-)
Diane, I am a rather slow reader and even if I skip some details, I usually go back to see what I missed. Because of this I don't get through nearly as many books as I would like. Usually with your books I go more quickly and then I want to slow down because I don't want the story to end. Since I found Goodreads a month or so ago I have so much enjoyed your blog and tweets. I am seriously thinking of rereading your earliest books. I remember that they had great emotional impact on me and now 15 years later I can only remember a few details from the stories and I am curious to recapture the feelings I had when I first read them.
Susan, I don't remember much of those early books either! When I have a speaking engagement, if an audience member asks me a question about an early book, I am usually lost. It always touches me that my readers remember more about my characters than I do.
