Between researching ancient personal family history and keeping up with daily life, I've managed to "squeeze" in my regular reading (okay, I haven't just been squeezing it in, I've been devoting a great deal of time to it!). There are times when I feel a total sloth for sitting with a book and a coffee (my latest rave is decaf Americano) or a good cup of tea. There are moments when I'll think I'm wasting time and could be doing something more "productive". Trust me, those "moments" don't last very long. Since when is expanding your mind, learning something, being entertained, a "waste of time"? As far as I'm concerned, reading is very productive indeed!Two of my recent reads were quite different in style and yet equally enjoyable. Both novels carried a similar theme -- about how we can hide who we truly are, usually from others, but sometimes from ourselves. The possibilities that exist when we see ourselves the way others do and when we allow the wall we can create for protection to come down so that others can see our flaws as well as the parts we are happy to promote. It's all about being accepted for who we are. Isn't this what we all wish for in our deepest selves? I thoroughly enjoyed the communication, the interplay and the dynamics of the characters and how each author resolved the issues they were exploring.
"Seeing Me Naked" by Liza Palmer was heart warming and a truly delightful read. I also enjoyed Liza's first book, "Conversations With The Fat Girl". Liza writes with honesty and her characters speak with depth and emotion. I love it when an author creates characters that I can "feel" and respond to -- both positively and negatively. I'm eagerly awaiting her next book. The title alone intrigues me -- "A Field Guide to Burying Your Parents".
"The Elegance of the Hedgehog" by Muriel Barbery was a slow start. The construction of the novel confused me at the beginning as it flipped between the narrations of the two main characters. As slow as it was, I continued to read. Something was compelling me to continue turning the pages. I'm glad that I did. Like a concerto, this novel took it's time to build the notes softly and then filled itself with grace and poise and resounding music. I wept at the ending.
Time for a little lighter fare -- some Ann Cleeves (recently discovered in the mystery section of my library) and some Dorothea Benton Frank, also recently discovered (her books take place in the lowcountry of South Carolina..reminding me very much of Anne Rivers Siddons but they are similar in no other way).
How much time are you prepared to "waste" on reading?!?!?!
*Fragonard's image of "Young Girl Reading" from allposters.com
9 comments:
I'm prepared to "waste" countless hours on reading! (And as you noted, it's not a waste at all..)
Have noted your two recently read books - as well as author Dorthea Benton Frank. (I love Anne Rivers Siddon.)
Thanks for the tips on those books. I will add them to my library list. I, too, "waste" countless hours, days, weeks in the pages. It's just part of who I am.
It is nice to read comments on your blog, knowing who stopped by -vs- the anonymous reader(s). Inevitably it means I will drop in on the comment-leaver and I've met some terrific, interesting and inspirational people that way, present company included. For those who don't leave comments because you think you are not worthy - you are indeed worthy and you would be pleasantly surprised if you just said, "hi".
As you know, I don't usually comment on my own comments page...I read every comment and love them, but I wanted to just re-iterate The Bodhi Chicklet's comment...please do leave a comment. We all know that there are "lurkers" as those of you who only read are called (not very flattering, is it? But there you have it, an internet term!) but your comments are most welcome. Always. Others actually benefit from reading what you say. True enough -- nasty, negative comments are usually unnecessary, but if you have something to say, even if it contradicts my opinion, please do. The only comments I won't print are those left anonymously with negative intent.
If you have no blogging account, you can still leave a comment which will come up as "anonymous" but you can always sign you name at the end of your comment.
The comment TBC left was in reply to something I said on her blog. An author left a comment after reading something posted about her and it certainly made TBC day!
Morning Sherry and Happy May Day :) I love the sound of "May", means the winter is finally over in our area, to me anyway.
I can't comment much on books because I don't read a lot, but I know it is a passion of yours and is very enjoyable to you, so of course it's not a waste of time. Keep on reading, and writing :)
Stopped in to say Hi Sherry! These books sound inviting. I will add them to my list. I usually like reading more in the summer so I can sit out back. Thanks. Have a golden weekend! xoxo
Hello, Lovely Sherry !
I am trying to get back into reading more these days. The winter was hard for me and I couldn't seem to concentrate on anything I was reading for more than a very short period of time. I missed it a lot though. I agree that reading is not wasting time - it is giving ourselves the gift of time - creative, learning, intellectual, imagination time that we need so much to be healthy !
I just bought two new books this week. One was very light but felt so perfect for me as I am really watching sugar intake these days ;-). I decided to get my candy elsewhere in "The Sugar Queen" by Sarah Addison Allen. It was a sweet metamorphosis and friendship/sisterhood story with a bit of magic thrown in.Theauthor has another book called "Garden Spells" that I want to check out next.
The second book was "Life is a Verb" by Patti Digh which you and Bodhi Chicklet amongst others have inspired me to get. I have a few soul searching books in my pile these days that I keep starting and then putting down. I really fell in love with this book though, from the moment it was in my hands. It has moved to the top of the pile !
Happy Reading and Happy Friday !
One of the positives of my breast cancer treatment is that I have the time (without guilt) to read more and the books I read transport me to a different world. I give thanks for being able to read and to see.
I am a member of the Amazon Vine program and regularly receive books to review. I am currently reading a young adults book called " The Black Book of Secrets" which is promising and "The Horse Boy" which is a little slow ....
Reading time is never wasted time. Although I do not read as much now as I did in earlier years, books remain a part of my life. Unthinkable to have it otherwise.
Have a beautiful day!
Hugs,
Renate
I love summer days when I can sit out on the hammock, watching the boys play on the property and reading. I don't think I do enough of it. This will be the year I change that!
I gave you an award today so come on over and take a peek!
Have a lovely Sunday my friend,
xo
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