My Reading Problem (Which is Better Than My Other Problem)
I am now 25 books into summer and have about 6 more to go before I run out of things I want to read. There are other books here, but I leave those for the “OMGIAMSOFUCKINGBOREDIHAVETOREADSOMETHING” moments. You know how that goes.
King Arthur has spoiled me rotten with books gleaned from one or two local thrift stores. Some are better than others with their pricing and their overall collections. One store had just about every Patricia Cornwell ever written. I only asked for the ones I hadn’t read. Another store had almost all the Alexander McCall Smith books in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, so I grabbed what they had (including one of his other series’ books) because I will read ANYTHING this man writes. Anything. Including his feed, with which he gives us a book 140 characters at a time. He is, quite possibly, THE most lyrical writer I’ve ever read. Walter Mosley follows in close second. Michael Connelly figures in there, too.
I’ve alternated between the worst humanity can do to its own kind to the kindest it can do. I’ve covered everything in between, too. At the heart of every book, though, there have to be characters I can relate to in some way. There also has to be something that challenges me, be it emotionally, mentally, or sheer determination.
One of my favorite finds, though, was a book called Rough Music, by Patrick Gale. He’s a British writer who paints a very human picture with depth and emotion like you wouldn’t believe. Rough Music is heartbreaking AND beautiful AND a bit hopeful. Maybe more than a bit. I couldn’t put it down. I fell asleep with it in my hands. I took it outside with me. I took it to the doc’s office. I took it everywhere but the shower. The only reason it didn’t go there was because I had no way to protect it from the water. One of these days I’ll come up with a ways read while I’m showering and sleeping. Pick up this book. It will make you laugh, cry, think, re-think, and then hug someone you love.
I’m thinking my next book better be light on my heart. Not sure what it’ll be, but I’m going to find it shortly. I’ll find it and commit to it.
There’s really not much else I can do at the moment. Reading is my escape. And movies. But mostly reading.
I’m in the middle of a very bad spell with my back. I don’t let King Arthur see me cry if I can help it. I don’t want him getting all up in arms about it. He’d go to battle for me and I can’t let him do that. I’ve just “fired” my doctor (after being accused of…what exactly, I’m not sure, but it was a bad scene and I didn’t feel as though he had my best interest in mind, nor did I feel a priority in any way, shape, or form what with appointments lasting over 3 hours every single time…only 5 minutes with him). I actually got rather pissed at the last appointment and raised my voice. I hobbled out to the car and got on the phone with the attorney’s office right away, asking for a new doctor. We have one, but we await approval from the insurance company. Everything else in my life is ON HOLD. My LIFE is on hold. All of it. Something better happen soon because I’ve fallen twice, almost fallen more than that, needed help just to even get out of bed, and have all sorts of other nasty symptoms of a worsening problem.
So I read. I read, read, read, read, read, and then read a little more. The only time I’m not reading is when I’m asleep, in the shower, or watching something special with my king. Or talking on the phone with my mom, dad, or kids.
I’m not addicted to much in life. Not much. Reading, however, is the best kind of addiction I could have. The best kind of addiction anyone could have! So for now, while I’m waiting for help with my pain and inability to move easily or much, I read.
Anyone have any books they think I should tackle? Anyone have any desire to send a few my way? For those who send books, they will receive Lemon Squares – I may be in pain, but I will make you a treat in exchange for YOUR treat to me. I’d trade you book-for-book, but they go to my mom first, sister second, and then my daughter. Once I have them back in my hands, you’re welcome to them.
Also: music is always welcome. I’m listening to almost anything these days. I still draw the line at Mariah, Celine, Beyonce, and the like. I’m open to just about everything else, though.
What’s your biggest problem this summer?
My biggest problem right now is exhaustion. I sleep and sleep and sleep and it’s like nothing. I wake up just as tired as ever. Ugh.
I’ve been reading a lot too. I’m now on “The Orphan Master’s Son” by Adam Johnson. Set in North Korea; not sure how accurate it is, but it’s pretty good so far.
Just finished “The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society” by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. Very sweet lovely story about an author in the 1940’s researching the German occupation of the Channel Islands and falling in love with the island and it’s people (and one person in particular). This one I have in physical form that I could probably send you. (Most of my books are for Kindle.)
Also just finished “The Cuckoo’s Calling” by Robert Galbraith (aka J. K. Rowling). Great mystery! Never read anything by her before, so was eager to give it a try.
Let’s see others…
“Jerusalem Gap” – man saves dog, dog saves man kind of story.
“Blind Spot: Why We Fail to See the Solution Right in Front of Us” by Gordon Rugg. Cognitive bias and neuroscience.
“2012: Midnight at Spanish Gardens” by Alma Alexander. Don’t know if this one counts as Scifi or fantasy or what. A group of friends meet after a long estrangement and each is given the opportunity to go back and live their life over from a moment in their past when they had made a critical choice that they regretted. When they’ve seen how a different choice would change their life, they get to pick one life or the other. Still mulling this one over, might have to re-read it.
You should join Goodreads, it’s a great way to get recommendations.
YouTube Crystallize by Lindsey Stirling. Weird mix of Celtic-like fiddle with a dubstep back beat. Not usually my kind of thing, but It’s kind of cool.
Oy, long enough comment for you?
Comment by Jan — 2013/08/01 @ 08:13
I’ve heard of the first book you mention. Almost picked it up, too. I’ll have to grab that next time I’m at the thrift store.
The others sound intriguing as well.
Rest up, my friend. Your body needs it!
Comment by Da Goddess — 2013/08/02 @ 04:19
Oh, no. Sending prayers and positive vibes!!
I’m re-reading a favorite, the Jan Karon ‘Father Tim’ series. On the last book now, I fear I’ll be adrift when it’s finished.
Going to Amazon to look for Patrick Gale…
Comment by pam — 2013/08/02 @ 15:01
thanks, Pam!
The Rough Music book will make you think. Make you think about all the choices you make in life and wonder if but for one good choice you could easily be on the path Julian/Will is on. All it takes is one decision to set you off down a path that would have changed your life forever.
Comment by Da Goddess — 2013/08/03 @ 02:18
I’m thoroughly convinced that you never can read too often. Sometimes we just need the escape into the literary world, to be able to deal with the real world on fresher terms.
Comment by diamond dave — 2013/08/12 @ 12:23
Hear, hear!
I honestly can’t believe how much I’ve read though. It’s become my go-to activity, even while I’m getting dressed, brushing teeth, sitting outside…I have a book with me all the time.
King Arthur doesn’t seem to mind much except when he wants to say something and I (unintentionally) make a big show of bookmarking where I’m at.
I always tell him, if you see me reading, you know I’m not anywhere else getting in trouble, right?
Comment by Da Goddess — 2013/08/12 @ 21:07