One of the nice things about celebrating the Solstice is being done with all the holiday-making when everyone else is trying to get in all the last minute shopping and other details. I have the pleasure of eating leftovers and curling up with a good book without a worry. If I listen to the weather forecasters here that is going to be a very good thing this year.
We are expecting a major winter storm to move in late Wednesday afternoon and, depending on all kinds of factors the weather people are eager to outline, we could be expecting anywhere from eight inches to eighteen inches of snow. The forecasters of course are panting over the eighteen inches. They have a rabid look about them that is rather frightening. Part of me hopes for the eighteen inches because I don’t have to go anywhere and part of me hopes for only eight because it would be fun to get out of the house and go to a mall or two to look at holiday decorations and do some people watching.
But, if we do get snowed in, I am prepared with plenty of reading material on hand. I’ve been thus far enjoying my expanses of reading time. I’m almost a third of the way through Angel’s Game. I am enjoying it very much. There are some characters and locales familiar from Shadow of the Wind that weave in and out of the story adding the pleasure that comes with knowing more about some things than the main character knows.
I’ve also begun reading How to Read Literature Like a Professor. The book is well-written but basic, like undergrad English major basic. This wouldn’t be a bad thing if I had never been an undergrad or a graduate English major; but since I have been both the book is not telling me anything I don’t already know if I am not being a lazy reader. I was hoping the book would inspire me and energize me to not be a lazy reader. Instead I’m debating whether I should keep reading the book. I’ve given it forty-five pages so far. If by page fifty I’m still not feeling it, I’ll have to be merciless and abandon it for something else. I’ll report back tomorrow.
I read How to Read Literature like a Professor and likewise found it rather meh. I read it quickly and I enjoyed the overview of different themes and books I could read next (while I was an English undergrad, I feel I have lots of gaps in my reading) but overall it didn’t change my life. I’m glad I read it, but if you aren’t enjoying it, I’d say move on!
Life’s too short….Move on to something you want to read. It took me a long time to get to this point. I really do try to finish what I start, but why bother? Why read something that you’re just not that into?
Here’s hoping you get enough snow to have fun but not so much it makes the weather people drool!
I can see what you mean about the How to Read Literature book — you’re qualified to teach college literature yourself, so I’m not surprised it doesn’t have much new to say. It sounds like you’re good either way with the snow — enjoy yourself, however it turns out!
I get to partake of that same storm system. So far it’s only drizzling, but as it’s above freezing, it’s only wet so far. Alas, if I’m feeling bad about that I can expect freezing rain tonight and then lots and lots and lots of snow to follow–all the way through Christmas Day. Getting to my mom’s house on Friday may be an adventure and at the moment I’m wishing we had already celebrated, too! If nothing else, I have my pile of books, too, though it may be a lonely day here at my house otherwise. And since it’s vacation and reading time is precious–if the books not doing it for you, I say move on to the next! Have fun playing in the snow, and I’ll do the same….
Given your background, I’m not surprised that you’re not stimulated by this read. I agree with the others–move on. It’s hard though; I still struggle with it.
Btw, love your blog.
I’d love to write a book one day that’s a sort of how-to reading guide, so I’m interested to see what this man does that isn’t quite right. And I hadn’t considered Angel’s Game because, elsewhere, I’d only read poor reviews. I’m delighted to hear that you are enjoying it!
Rebecca, even English majors have gaps in their reading, we can’t read everything as much as we might like to. It’s not the books read so much as how and what we think about them that matters. And we’ve both had the experience of being taught how to read and reading a book that tells us what we already know doesn’t help broaden our understanding.
Jodi, you are right, life it too short
Sylvia, thanks! We didn’t get enough snow to make the weather people drool, but we still got a lot!
Dorothy, thank you! I was expecting the book to be basic but hoping it would also go beyond basic and at least inspire me to read more carefully. Alas, it just made me bored.
Danielle, I hope you made it to your Mom’s ok, got to read a lot and enjoyed playing in the snow!
Juanita, hello and thank you! I did indeed move on, but nonetheless could not avoid feeling a little twinge while doing so.
Litlove, I would love to read your ho-to reading guide someday Litlove! I will be first in line at the bookstore to buy it