‘How to Read a Book’ by Charles Van Doren & Mortimer Adler...Seriously! My Writing Guild recently suggested that every writer should read it. I truly wish I hadn’t. Although it might have its merits as a writer’s tool, it really messes with a readers mind. It will take me weeks to forget all that and get back to just reading a good book for my own enjoyment. A writer needs to pay attention to point of view, voice and the author’s intent, but I am a visual reader and want to just enjoy the experience.
My sister reads in ‘snippits’ that is she can start a book and after a few chapters, put it down and go tend to other things. She may not pick it up again for days or even a week, and just continue until she puts it down again. That would drive me absolutely crazy!
A few days ago I was just getting into India and A,J.’s latest mind-bending case in Bo Bremmer’s, ‘Baby Snatchers’ and the screen on my kindle flashed white. WTF!! After an hour with the Amazon techies, my kindle was pronounced officially dead. With over 100 unread books on there, it would be any avid reader’s nightmare. And even though in the logical part of my brain I knew that the words would still be there for me when my new device arrived...the other side of my brain is anxious because I feel like I might be missing something in the interim.
No ‘snippits’ for me. I like to get comfy in my wingback with a cup of tea or glass of wine (depending on the genre) and let myself flow into the story. If the book is really good...my chair is just off set, as I watch the characters unfold their tale of conflict and suspense. And I don’t want to put it down until those conflicts are resolved.
So Seriously, please...do not pick up ‘How to Read at Book’. Just pick up a good book...and read!