Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Readerly Rambles: 04/25/2012

Painting by Fragonard ‘A young woman reading 1776’
What I've Read / Readathon Update:  Saturday's Readathon was a success.  I finished Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can't Stop Talking, took a chuck out of The Bronte Myth, started my re-read of Elizabeth Bowen's short stories, and completed two graphic novels (Blankets and The Death-Ray).  I managed to read over 900 pages (granted about 500 was graphic novels) and had the loveliest experience.

Readathon has always been a mixed-bag to me.  I always try to visit other blogs, update regularly, tweet, finish books with rapidity to get high number, fill out surveys, complete mini-challenges and the result is that I don't get very much reading done and the event feels frantic.  I think this just has to do with my "style" of reading.  I want to crawl into a book and not come out.  When I do need a break I much rather sit quietly, or go for a walk, or hang out with the kids.  My eyes need a break and hopping from book to computer stresses my vision and doesn't allow for my mind to take a rest.

From now on I'm going to approach Readathon in this manner.  I'm not saying that there is a wrong or a right way; I'm just emphasizing that the best approach for me is to ignore the computer and read.  

I want to write more about Quiet and about The Bronte Myth, but I'm still mulling over things.  Expect reviews in the near future!

What I'm Reading: Since I finished The Bronte Myth today the only thing I have going is the Bowen book.

What's Up Next:  Tomorrow I'm going to crack open Memento Mori.  So excited!  I also have This Side of Paradise by F. Scott Fitzgerald and Bring up the Bodies by Hilary Mantel on the nightstand.  Sam and I are going on our weekend trip to Atlanta and even though we have several things lined up we've carved out time for him to draw and me to read.  That is one of my most favorite things about Sam -- we both have solitary pursuits we enjoy.  It is so nice to sit next to the person I love and be quiet for hours and yet feel so close because we are each engaged in doing something we love.


1 comment:

Linda said...

I hear you about the Readathon. Last April, I was more social and didn't read much. This year I read more and was less social. It's hard to find the right balance.