Wild Books
It seems that the list of books I don't want to read is growing.
I don't want to read that one because it's about old people and death, and there'll be time enough for that later. I don't want to read that one because the protagonist doesn't seem to care about anything. Not that one because it's depressing; not that one because it has attitudes I can't abide. Not that one because it's precious, not that one because it's lazy.
I have what used to be a To Be Read pile. It doesn't seem to contain books I want to read anymore. It's become my I Ought To Read pile. And nothing makes me less likely to do something that prefixing the tast with, "I ought to..."
I ought to write. Nothing will happen.
I want to write. Nothing will stand in my way.
I want to read. But I can't find anything that bridges the gap between the Oughts and the Wants.
I know of myself that when I'm feeling a bit battered by life I tnd to retreat from it. I protect myself by sticking to 'safe' things. Films that don't threaten, books that don't challenge. But each of those retreating baby steps equips me less and less to deal with life. And I want to do more than deal with life.
I want to revel in it, adore it, take it by the throat and live it.
I don't want to be. I want to be wild.
Anyone got any book recommendations?
posted by Anna Louise Lucia @ 9:23 pm
8 comments
8 Comments:
{{Anna}} I won't be the best one for expecting you to roar into the world when you are down. I do the same thing.
There are movies I have not seen and books I am avoiding since my son was born - and I may never see/read them. I will just have to see.
I used to read, watch, devour every thriller, horror, suspence, tense, at the edge of your seat fare that was available. Now I do not have the emotional strength.
I am slowly regaining the ability to distance myself from what I am reading or watching. I just read a mystery that I did not know was about the death of a child. In reading it I knew the mother did it - and I understood why - and I could feel the character's agony as she made the decision (although I still feel the decision was wrong). But the book did not wound me. So I am getting stronger.
Maybe you are like me - and just need a bit of time and distance to heal and to become strong enough to put your emotional self on the line once again.
Be kind to yourself.
I just finished "Nerd in Shining Armour" by Vicki Lewis Thompson. I really enjoyed it.
Lori :)
Thanks, Lori - and I'm glad you're feeling more resilient.
I think I'm going to start an Amazon wish list, and I'll put that Nerd on it!
I know what you mean. I have a whole slew of books I can't read. I tried to read the latest Marion Keyes (who I love) but I couldn't because it's about a woman who gets a publishing deal on the back of a load of emails. I kept on going "YEAH, RIGHT!!" and had to put it down.
I've been reading little bits of nonfiction, for the very reason that it doesn't get me emotionally involved.
But really, you should give Great Expectations a try... ;-)
Julie ducks and runs before Anna does her vomiting-at-Dickens routine
Tell you who I read when I'm in down. Liz Fielding (Gentlemen Prefer Brunettes), Jill Shalvis or Nancy Warren. They all have lovely warm characters, and superb comic dialogue. Course, you could read Emily Dickinson and realise that you don't feel quite *that* bad... (No, that wasn't a serious comment. I quote ED when I'm down but too much of it shoves me over the edge.) Or if you want to go completely into another world, one of my all-time favourites is Diana Norman's THE VIZARD MASK. Superb drama. Chin up. Spring is on its way. (I'm ignoring the blizzard outside ;) )
D-D-D-Dickens???
*lips curl back from teeth in a snarl*
;-)
Nancy Warren! *slaps forehead* I am a dunce - of course! And I love Liz's stuff, too. Don't think I've tried Jill SHalvis... *inspects bookshelf* Nope.
I wonder if there's anything Husband wants from Amazon, so I can bribe him into acquiescing to a laaaaaaarge book order?
My new year challenge for myself 2005 was to read a book from all the genres I've not read books from. So far I've read two graphic novels which were both great. I have a Western lined up, and next will be some contemporary sci-fi.
Recently I read Precious Bane by Mary Webb, and absolutely loved it. I think you'd like it because the setting is rural (Shropshire) and the descriptions and language is fabulous. It is a romance although it was written in the 1920s so doesn't follow the rules of romance today.
Have you read Karen Marie Moning? I read Dark Highlander which was totally out of order since I hadn't read any of her Highlander books. Druids, Scotland, time travel and a to die for hero that made me drool through about 400 pages. Not heavy on the sex but she carried sexual tension throughout the book like a master. I loved it...and I NEVER get to read anymore, have the attention span of a gnat, so for a book to hold my interest for 400+ pages is a big damn deal.
:)
oh crap. I forgot to sign in *g*
The post above was me, Anna.
See what I mean about attention span?
Jaci
Post a Comment
<< Home