I love books. They are one of the things that makes me feel alive. Television, while enjoyable, only truly succeeds in numbing me. That is not to take away from amazing television shows such as Ellen or Buffy the Vampire Slayer, they don't hold a candle to books.
As much as I like the challenge of taking on big books, I usually choose them because I have a really hard time enjoying small ones. Not only does it take me a hundred pages or so to truly become invested in a book, but I like to visit these characters on a daily basis.
I just finished Philip Norman's lengthy biography of John Lennon. Being a big Beatles fan, I already knew how John's life came to a tragic end. Yet, for the weeks that I was reading John's everyday life, I always knew that when I got home from work he would be there waiting for me. It is books like these that make me appreciate redundancy, because sometimes it is necessary in order to put of reaching the end.
Finally, when I did close the final page, it really broke my heart that not only was John murdered, but my journey with him ended on that last page. It really made me feel like I knew the guy. Whether or not he was actually how he was portrayed by the author doesn't matter. I just really appreciated hanging out with John for the last bit of my life.
All I know is that I like big books.
I hope this makes sense to somebody.
3 comments:
this totally makes sense. i wish I had the same brain as yours because its hard for me to read such big books. Everyone appreciates reading, and I feel like I never have really gotten crazy into it. I am trying to read more, but I alway end up just wanting to eat something. Well Reid I miss you, I miss being your roommate, and I miss hanging out at night. I just thought you should know.
You just really appreciated hanging out with John for the last bit of your life?!?!
Wow, this book really did impact you...
But, yeah, what you say makes perfect sense. I too love reading. A good book is like a companion. It's like having a good friend who never lets you down -- and who, while sometimes verbose, tells you good stories.
I understand why you feel this way. For some reason I haven't arrived at that place. I think I will one day. But as you know, life is carrying me through this stage of wanting to sit and talk to people, processing things with those in front of me. I easily feel that time is wasted these days (and I hate that about myself because it prevents me from enjoying the PRESENT), but I value time spent with friends talking more than anything these days.
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