Categories: reading
Date: 17 September 2004 14:32:24
I cannot remember a time when books have not featured in my life. My mother (and many other relatives) would read to me often, and as soon as I was able I was reading for myself. My parents love reading, so I am sure I gained my love of reading from them.
I like nothing better than to spend a day, or an evening, reading while time marches on. I believe I read a wide variety of literature, though science-fiction and romance hardly ever feature. I often am reading three or even four books at once: generally on diverse topics, and depending on my mood (and mental state to comprehend) I'll select one of them for the day.
This is not to say I am a well-read person (in terms of the "classics"). Many of the classics people talk about have not even crossed into my consciousness, and many books which may be thought rather dreadful I confess to having taken delight in. An author must grab me rather early, as I am quite a temperamental person who does not suffer boredom or confusion gladly. I echo the French philosopher Michel de Montaigne's comments that "I cannot have lengthy commerce with [mysterious books] ... If I come across difficult passages in my reading I never bite my nails over them: after making a charge or two I let them be ... If one book wearies me I take up another." (though as he was very well-read I think, as Alain de Botton said in his 'The Consolations of Philosophy', that he was making a stand against the idea that intelligent books "should be difficult or boring". A stance I support.)
Tomorrow will test my reading and comprehension skills. I must read much about grammar (both traditional and functional) for several assignments at uni. I do find the way we use language fascinating, but comprehending (let alone remembering) the technical terms and the classifications of grammar is a trial for me at times. It will be a long day.
Currently reading:
"Suprised by Joy", C.S. Lewis
"An Introduction to the Christian Orthodox Churches", John Binns