Tuesday
Jul202010
In which I read a book ...
July 20, 2010 
I read a fabulous book. It was one of those things where a facebook comment led to a thread and the thread led to a discussion and soon a few of us were all reading the same book. A virtual book club formed and disbanded in the course of one book. Other than saying, “I am getting nothing done because of this book.” I don’t think we ever discussed plot or character development. We just enjoyed.
I am recommending this book as unputdownable. It is one of those books that I didn’t want to end. Every summer should have at least one good book, a book that steals an entire weekend out from under you.
While I was reading I kept thinking that I should put the book down and DO something. It was impossible though, the book was glued to my hands and my eyes couldn't leave the page. I felt almost a bit guilty but not quite.
I realized that this was something new for me. I have never in my life felt that reading was something I shouldn’t be doing. As a child I had my nose buried in a Nancy Drew mystery or Trixie Belden. Remember Trixie Belden and her Bob-White club? Every book had a secret in a mansion or an old clock. I have always spent my time reading. It was my thing. “I read.” “I’m a reader.” Those were accurate descriptions of myself. So why was I having these feelings? When did it become not okay for me to sit and read?”
I thought about it for a while and realized that it likely started when I discovered all the other treasures in my playbox, photography, knitting, digital editing, sewing, writing and blogging. Yes, all of a sudden, reading wasn’t creative enough for me. It didn’t fit with my other interests. Although long ago I learned I could read and cook at the same time, I can definitely stir a slow simmering soup with one hand while holding a book with the other, somehow I slipped into a state where I felt the other endeavours were more important than reading. And that’s just wrong in my book.
As with all things that seem contrary, I justify and mould and try to make it work for me. I carefully thought about whether I could fit reading into the creative playbox. Finally I decided that reading does fit. When my imagination is engaged, I am being creative. I picture the scenes and characters. When I join my inner voice with the author’s voice, we create together a singular experience just for me. I am both the recipient and creator when I read. The author writes her book, passes it on to me and I take it and put my own spin and interpretation on it. Later, I might be reminded of the story when I take a photograph or a quote from the book might inspire me to try a little harder. And then sometimes, I pass the book on so that you can do the same.
Oh the book? It’s called The Help by Kathryn Stockett. It may not appeal to you, but I loved the stories contained in those pages.
Have you found your “summer read” yet? Do share, I could use another because there's oodles of summer still stretching ahead.
XO
Kath
Reader Comments (17)
Interestingly, Kath, I just Googled for the synopsis of this book and find this line apropos for your post here: "The Help is a timeless and universal story about the lines we abide by, and the ones we don't." (http://www.kathrynstockett.com/book/)
You make such a good point: reading stirs our creative juices! But I shamefully must admit I do not do as much of it now as I once used to. I did, however, bring with me to Holland the three-book series by Elizabeth Cunningham on the (imagined) life of Mary Magdalene. "The Passion of Mary Magdalene" is the only book I've read of the triology. You're inspiring me to get on with the other two...which is why I have them! I, too, could not put the book down.
Remember when the Harry Potter books first came on the scene and kids were holed up in their rooms reading non-stop for days at a time? There was so much debate over those books...are they good or bad for our "Christian" kids, are they good literature, etc. In the end, all we could think of was OUR KIDS ARE READING! And we were pleasantly astounded.
I love your image, Kath, and the gentle prod to get away from the computer for awhile and pick up that second book of the triology I really do want to finish! Thank you.
I downloaded 'The Help' on itunes..and listened to it while I walked in the early mornings. One of those books that I just didn't want to ever end.
Another excellent one is 'A Fine Balance'..which weaves an unforgettable story.
Right now - I'm reading 'Peace Like A River'..which is somewhat of a classic...and at the same time - listening to 'Cutting for Stone'.
Summer reading is the best!!!!
you are so creative in your thinking Mom
I told you! It is definitely one of those books, I took it to our camp when my husband and son and daughter were there and as soon as I got there immediately sat down and started reading. My son said, "geez, aren't you going to be sociable?" and I said, "Sorry, i just can't put it down!" I love books like that, I love to read, and it is hard to fit it in these days, but it is the best way to recharge and imagine a whole other life.
Then after that book, I read The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. It was just as good, maybe better. I read it in two nights, and I still miss it. That's how I know when a book was really, really good. I miss it.
thanks for the recommendation ... I am more of a nonfiction reader, but I like "can't put them down "books
love this.
This is on my list of reads for this summer. I think I might delve into it next. Thanks for the head's up on the attraction factor of this one. Another book on my summer reads is Little Bee which I hear has the same element.
Just place my order on Amazon! Oh my, but my summer reading pile is getting deeper and deeper. :) We are so similar, you and I - I used to be a voracious reader, but I can't remember the last time I sat down to read a book for pure enjoyment. Most books these days are to further my photography. Thanks, Kath!
lately when i pick my book up to read before bed, i fall asleep.
maybe this is the book, i need. i have heard so much about it.
i really adore reading.
xo
Kath, I've added it to my 'books to get' list. It's always great to have a good read come personally recommended. And I think I'll borrow your decision to treat reading as a creative activity - it's brilliant!
That book had me reading til 5am! I could NOT put it down!! It was just soooo good!!! And I read somewhere that it is going to be made into a movie. Can you imagine the cast?
oooh i love reading. i read and read and read. if it were up to me i would read instead of do house work ;)
the book i just finished was stephen kings, "under the dome". normally i have a hard time with his books because they give me night mares, but this one was different. and enjoyable. and really really thick, so it took me a little time. short books get gobbled up so fast!
I have just finished "The Expected One. Book One of the Magdalene Line" by Kathleen McGowan I enjoyed it a lot and I have just ordered "The Book of Love" The second book in the series.
Beautiful image.
i'm finding it hard to read at the moment, hard to settle down, and 'in to' a book...really get absorbed by it. too flighty and all over the place at the moment. but, have been reading - and loving - solider of the great war, by mark helprin and i was able to lose myself in that. i will look at your book, and the ones above, and add to my uk book buying list, growing by the day :)
Sadly, it's been too long since I've read a book. I'm a little like you in that WHEN I start reading I can't put the book down. I've been known to "disappear" for a whole weekend to read and not "come up for air" until the book is finished.
I like Marcie's idea of downloading a book from Itunes and "reading" while she walks. I may have to give that a try.
Your post has generated a lot of interesting comments and discussion. :) -- a sign of a good post, I think!
One time, way before the internet happened, I used to read at least 8 to 10 books a week. I must add that I am a speed reader, and usually I read 3 books at the same time, 1 in the living room, 1 in the kitchen and 1 in bed. I still read a lot, but not 10 books a week anymore. Yet I barely ever put out my night light before 3 a.m. because I have to read before going to sleep and get usually stuck in the story so I finish the book.
Nothing beats the feeling of sitting curled up in a cozy arm chair when it is cold and rainy outside, book on lap and dive into a story for hours and hours!!
I have been meaning to read that book. It's been recommended many times to me. For some reason, I have fallen away from the habit of reading. I was such a voracious reader as a girl, like you. I hope this will spark my literary heart, like it did yours.