On the Southern Literary Trail discussion
General Bookishness
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Why do You Read? What Does Reading Mean to You?
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Diane wrote: "If I'm reading and my mind starts to wander, or if I find errands to run or chores to do rather than get back to the book, it's time to quit!"This was happening to me in the second part of War and Peace the other day. I even clipped my dog's nails and I hate doing that. Hahahaha.
Still I'm reading it slowly with a group and really want that feather in my cap, so I refuse to quit! (But I can't emphasize how little I enjoy reading about battles.)
Mod
Old topic, but came to mind tonight. I think the reading that might impact me the most is that which makes me consider my own mortality? Know that's probably not a very uplifting thought, but somehow centers me in the greater world rather than my little world.
Reading takes me to places I have never been, and it introduces me to people that I have not known before. Reading is my entertainment, but more than that, it sometimes tells me a story that I will never forget.
Mod
To me opening a book is opening a world. Sometimes it is a comfortable place to relax, sometimes it is a jolt into the unknown, and sometimes it is a place to ponder new ideas.
Diane wrote: "It's worth finishing War and Peace just so you can tell people you've read it. It makes an impression, let me tell you!"Is it worth the read Diane? Gimme a little taste of the impression it made on you, please.
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Thanks Diane, maybe we can hold hands and read it together.
I read to engage my mind. I have always been curious. There are not a lot of readers in my family. My mother was an avid reader and my brother reads an occasional book in the fantasy genre.
For me to enjoy a book I need to make a connction to a character or charcters, or their situation.
Mod
As a child, I read to see the world, literally. I am totally blind, and books provided me fascinating descriptions of animals, people of other lands, scenery, facial expressions and gestures as they related to emotions, and all the things easily perceived by the sighted.As I grew older and majored in Psychology in college, I read fiction to gaze more deeply into the finer nuances of human emotions. I also read for adventure.
Now that I'm older still, I read for all those reasons and a few more. I read nonfiction to gain perspective on my place in history, to see how the present relates to the past, and to discern how the future may be improved by learning from past historical mistakes. I also read to improve my own writing. I read to gain humility, as I see how others, real or fictional, deal with difficult situations with grace and dignity. Finally, I read for the love of the story, for the music of language, for the exquisite emotions that can be created by stringing certain words together in certain ways.
(In case you can't tell, I LOVE reading!)
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Jenna , yes beautifully said . I especially loved your last sentence.
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Such kind words Mary. However, It may be awhile before I start. When I finish one there seems to be three waiting in line.
This isn't wise or probably even noteworthy. I read to stay connected, escape, enjoyment, and as a distraction from pain. I had a brain tumor removed about a year ago. I became disabled way before I ever dreamed I would be. I don't know what I would do without books (audible now-poor vision). I haven't contribute to this group too much. I hope to change that soon. I do follow it and love the commentary and book suggestions.
you mean to tell me we are therapeutic ? You know I kinda feel the same way on occasion. It is nice to pop in every once in awhile
Michelle wrote: "This isn't wise or probably even noteworthy. I read to stay connected, escape, enjoyment, and as a distraction from pain. I had a brain tumor removed about a year ago. I became disabled way before ..."One of the wonderful things about books is that they can take us away to another place. Good luck with your recovery from surgery. This is a very friendly group, and it's great that you're enjoying it, Michelle.
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Oh, Michelle, books kept me going all last year after I fell & shattered my leg. I was in a trauma rehab center with people in pain, & I was in pain, & at 3 am, reading kept me sane when I could not sleep. 3 out of 4 of my roommates had dementia, which added to the challenge, had broken hips but would try & get out of bed as they did not remember they were injured & did not know where they were. Alarms going off, & I would be trying to talk them into staying still until the nurses would come. I also discussed books with my physical therapists, doctors, nurses, chaplains...people would stop by for book recommendations. Hope you are starting to feel better. A friend at church went through brain surgery & its aftermath & is 10 years still with us, traveling & visiting grandchildren.
I am still working on building stamina. Last year I could not get out of bed for ages, then could put no weight on my leg, this year I can go short distances & up & down my steps, water walking to improve my strength. A year with a heart attack & a bad fall seemed a little much, am hoping for a boring year health-wise this year. ;-)
Kim ~ I just wanted to express very emotionally and with sincere compassion , please keep on reading and keep on communicating with everyone , especially this lot here ! This group has kept me going for many a year now besides the books ! Now , I will tell y'all about my books later . They deserve a special story . They cannot be described so easily ! Good reading ,
Dawn
The video below is how I see books ! They are my light ! As Jen described above . The song is Lover of the Light by Munford and Sons if the link does not work to YouTube.
https://youtu.be/nMJUbZrNnA8
Thank you all for your comments. I need to add sanity to my list of reasons for why I love books! This group is great.
Michelle I used to say I read to escape from the everyday grind but it really is for my sanity. I have such a busy life and to kick back with a book for a few hours every day is a pure joy. You can add me to the list of people whose real life friends don't read much. This group is knowledgeable and fun and I enjoy discussing books here.
Since I've been a GR member I've proudly admitted to being a bookaholic! And books have certainly made my life a happier, saner, more interesting plave for the past 6 years, since I too had to retire early. I had always planned to read more after I eventually retired. With the help of all my friends and groups here, I've been led in reading directions I would never have anticipated, wonderful directions in all sorts of genres. On top of that I get to meet wonderful people with whom I can discuss books!! What a world. My parents would have been shocked to know such a thing could exist ... and I thank them regularly for teaching me the joy of reading and books so may years ago.
There certainly seems to be something about opening the cover of a book that creates an obligation. But I seem to have no problem ignoring all the classics on the shelf that I never have opened!
One example: I have a complete set of The Great Books that I inherited from my parents. Over the years, the type has gotten too small for me to read!