Now that Mama has figured how to “turn on the blog,” as it were, she’s told a couple of her friends about it, and now they “turn on the blog,” as well. And occasionally they ask me questions about it when I see them. And while talking to people about Ye Olde Blogge isn’t exactly comfortable for me, it’s not nearly as bad as, say, Emma Kate introducing me as BooMama to people at her church, an incident for which there are no words to adequately express my embarassment, but my embarrassment was significant enough that EK now owes me a really cute pair of shoes, or at the very least a case of diet Coke.
(I will be available for psychiatric evaluation from 5-7 pm on Thursday. Just be sure to let me know where you set up the couch. And be sure to bring lots of delicious, ice-cold diet Coke. And be sure to send Emma Kate the bill.)
Anyway, this past weekend one of Mama’s very fun friends was talking to me about my blog and asked me if I had ever posted a list of book recommendations. Which of course I haven’t. Because I’ve become a terribly lame reader.
Pre-pregnancy, I read voraciously – usually two or three books at a time – but since Alex came along I do well to read two or three books a year. I’ve tried to do better over the last three or four months by having at least one book on my nightstand at all times, but it’s difficult. I write a lot more than I used to, and it seems like between cooking and cleaning (don’t you even laugh, D. don’t you EVEN laugh), chasing Alex, working, blogging, wife-ing, etc., reading is the thing that gets pushed back farthest on the burner.
(To clarify: reading has not been pushed back as far as, you know, crafts, but those were never really on the burner for me to begin with. Come to think of it, crafts were nowhere even remotely near the burner. In fact, I think that for me, at least, crafts are currently located somewhere just southeast of Idaho.)
And here’s the thing: I miss reading. I really do. But I find that when I do want to read – when I make a special trip to the library or bookstore with the intent of finding a good book – I get completely overwhelmed. I don’t want to waste precious reading time on something that’s not any good; I don’t want to start a book that I’ll have no desire to finish. And inevitably I leave the bookstore empty-handed, usually wondering when people quit writing the kinds of books that I want to read.
Lately it seems like every other blog I happen across has a to-read list for the new year in the sidebar. I can’t even tell you how much that intimidates me because not only are you people reading, but you’re planning it, as well, and I’m pretty wide-eyed at the wonder of it all. On top of that, you’re not reading easy stuff; you’re not grabbing the #1 Walgreens bestseller off the shelf and calling yourself a bookworm. Y’all are reading challenging stuff. Some of it’s not even fiction, and ohmyword I don’t know how you do it.
So, for Mama’s friend who asked about a list – and for me, who really needs a list – here is my humble request. In the comments, give me ONE recommendation for a book that is, in your opinion, a must-read. I prefer fiction, but I’m fine with non-fiction, too.
Also.
Please remember that I have the attention span of your average four-year old, only I can’t even sit still long enough to watch cartoons. So while some of you (SHANNON!) might be intrigued by the idea of tackling Pilgrim’s Progress, I am not. In fact, the prospect of spending precious leisure time fighting my way through classic literature (aside from To Kill A Mockingbird, which is the best book in the history of all time ever) makes me want to throw things. And then chase down the stuff I threw so that I can kick it. Repeatedly. While twitching.
My former English professors must be so very proud.
So hit me with your One Essential Book in the comments. And if you happen to know the the author’s name, pass along that info, too. No need for links – mainly because the links will make my spam filter go cuckoo.
Once I wade through the list, I’m going to pick ten books to tackle this year. And I’m going to put the list in my sidebar so that y’all can point at me and laugh at the end of December when I’ve only read two and a half of them. But I really want to be a better, more intentional reader. And I know Mama’s friend will appreciate your suggestions, too.
By the way: if anyone lists anything by Henry James or James Joyce, I’m totally going to cover my eyes and sing “LA LA LA LA LA LA” and pretend like I don’t see it. Grad school nearly did me in with those two.
Thanks, internets!
I’m so glad y’all read and are smart and stuff. You have inspired me to do better.
Recent Comments