In Bed with the Word: Reading, Spirituality, and Cultural Politics

by Daniel Coleman

While reading is a deeply personal activity, paradoxically, it is also fundamentally social and outward-looking. Daniel Coleman, a lifelong reader and professor of literature, combines story with meditation to reveal this paradox and illustrate why, more than ever, we need this special brand of "quiet time" in our lives. In Bed with the Word sparks with every conceivable enticement for those who worry about living in a culture of distraction and who long to reconnect with something deeper.

Genres: Nonfiction, Canada, Religion, Language

142 pages, Paperback

First published June 11, 2012

About the author

Daniel Coleman teaches in the Department of English and Cultural Studies at McMaster University. His research covers Canadian Literature, cultural production of categories of privilege, literatures of immigration and diaspora, and the politics of reading. His publications include White Civility (2006) and In Bed with the Word (2009) as well as co-edited scholarly volumes.

Reviews

[Maddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coleman says something near the end of the book that perfectly describes the experience I had reading it:
"There's a real delight that comes when some words on the page give clear, concise shape to a morass of ideas or opinions that you haven't had the opportunity or stimulus to sort through."

In his study of reading and spirituality, he discusses many benefits of reading in a new (spiritual) light--without being mushy or even really religious. I especially loved his discussion as reading as counter-culture today, because our world is too fast-paced to read. Reading takes quiet and private time, as well as a LOT of time and many people today would just rather watch the movie!

I love his tone, his approach and the insights he brings. I highly recommend him to anyone who already loves reading, or perhaps someone who wants to love it.

[Marilyn McEntyre · Rating 5 out of 5]

This elegant reflection on how reading engages us not just intellectually but ethically and spiritually reminds us that language itself draws us into a playful relationship in which trust is essential between writers and readers and between speakers. We interpret each other's words as they move like particles in fields of possible meaning. I'm particularly struck by how many of his simple sentences open wide paths of reflection: "It does matter what we read, but it matters even more who we become by reading." And--a good reminder for writers--"The author must submit to the freedom of the reader." Fully acknowledging the importance of "critical" reading and what has been called a "hermeneutics of suspicion," Coleman also reminds us how valuable it can be to enter into a story or poem or essay with open-hearted expectation that surprises are available, and moments of learning, if we're willing and attentive. That "posture" of attentiveness, he goes on to say, is not altogether unlike the "posture" we adopt when we pray.

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this book was enriching, especially to an English major whose reading habits have lost their vigor and purposefulness. Coleman illustrates how reading changes the individual and cultivates the impulses already prevalent within. The changed individual can then forge political and social change. He draws on multiple reasons for this. Reading enables us to enjoy solitude while also being in the good company of an Other--be it an author, a fictitious character, or even a Higher Power. This experience is inherently spiritual. We connect and acknowledge the core of our being--including our deeply held vulnerabilities--while also opening ourselves to a connection with humanity that evades our own egos.

What did this book mean to me, personally? First, Coleman spoke to me in a way that acknowledged my personal struggle with faith and spirituality. In fact, he echoes a point made my Rolheiser that infused a new sense of meaning and clarity to my conception of prayer (though, this was not Coleman's intent, I believe. It was merely supplemental). I don't know. I guess my own reading habits have hardened me, intellectually and spiritually. To read is not to simply devour information in order to declare conquest over an idea or superiority in argument. Coleman encourages his reader to approach a text with expectation, affirmation, and suspicion, doing so with temperance. He also acknowledges the reality of our "commodity culture" that mandates quick fixes, undigested postulation, and the absence of quiet time. More than ever, do our souls need the time and space receive nourishment. And reading can be the vehicle to do so.

[George Dibble · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5/5

Read for my ENGL 450R class: Studies in Lit Crit and Theory.

First three chapters were a lot stronger than the latter two.

Was nice to read this book in only a few days. Reminds me of the pleasure of finishing a book in a short amount of time. To not drag it out forever. Like I'm doing with that one Faulkner. Which I need to read and finish. It feels like it's already done with me.

--
Feeling good recently. Think my frontal lobe developed two days ago. Changing a lot of small habits I don't know why I do and don't do. Feels good.

Weather's great. Running more. Being outside. Journaling more. Thinking about writing more.

Splendid.

[Seth Squires · Rating 5 out of 5]

“What are you doing in bed, Johnny?” asks a woman’s
voice. “You should be in school with the other boys.” “Oh,” says the tow-headed boy calmly. “I just
thought I’d spend the day in bed with the Word.”

This book was great, and it’s one that’s confirmed—and caused me to reconsider—a lot of my views on reading and its importance, especially in terms of spirituality and reading. I was blown away by the depth mixed with pretty simple prose, and I hope to apply the concepts found within to my own relationship with reading and the world as a whole.

[Marie Edwards · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was an extended love letter for the act of reading, which was tied to the act of spiritual growth. It was amazing. So many thoughts I haven’t expressed on my own were articulated so perfectly in the text that I felt like saying, “Yes!” out loud as I read. There were so many places that I would have clipped out as quotes to share, but I will just include one:

“Reading is spiritual because it simultaneously emphasizes and spans this divide between the self and other, between the reader and the author, between the reader and the world, between the reader and God.”

[Vikram Kaul · Rating 3 out of 5]

"reading plunges us into the central paradox of spiritual life, at one and the same time emphasizing and even enforcing our isolation, the fact that we are uniquely and finally alone, while also reminding us that we are connected to and interdependent with the world beyond our own skins, with others, and ultimately with the Other."

[Clivemichael · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cerebral musings, an engaging read.

[Thomas · Rating 1 out of 5]

If you wish to purchase this book for kindling buy it used, otherwise it has no value.

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful little book that articulates many of the feelings I have about reading that I have never been able to fully express. It was confirming and surprising.

[Zachary Stevenson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short and moderately insightful meditation on the purposes and potential of reading. In the same genre as Alan Jacobs’ A Theology of Reading. His idea of reading as a stance of openness towards the Other, while not original to Coleman, was both moving and convincing.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and would heartily recommend it to anyone who loves reading ... especially to those who enjoy thinking about they love to read. Coleman expresses his ideas clearly, often providing examples to further clarify the concepts and principles he discusses. Ultimately, I think I loved this book because I found myself, so often, grinning and thinking in my mind (okay, okay, sometimes I even exclaimed aloud), "Yes! Exactly! That's right!" He expressed some ideas about the binary of the social/personal natures of reading that I had considered before, and he expressed some that I hadn't yet conceptualized, but upon reading his views, was able to accept readily as insightful. This review is boring; the book is not: read it!

[Tiff · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a great read. I recommend this to anyone who loves books, as this delves deep into reading as a spiritual practice. Daniel Coleman elaborates on the reasons we love to read with grace and passion; his voice throughout the text is soothing, humble, and charming. While there aren't any extreme revelations to be found in the text, Coleman does an excellent job of articulating the difference between pretentious criticism and careful discernment, the way words on a page depend on a reader to come alive, and our instinctual need to interpret language as a way to enrich our lives. You won't regret the couple of hours it'll take you to read this great book.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

With this book, I experience what Coleman calls "the pleasure of confirmation" that attends reading--finding another voice that believes what you believe. The book isn't perfect. I think Coleman conflates readings and writing in order to extend his points about the spiritual benefits of reading more pointedly to cultural politics. He's also a little hazy about his definition of spirituality, which is a probably a necessity for his varied audience. However, his insights into which reading posture of reading will result in personal change, his ideas about absence, and the relevance of Coleman's life to my own made this a very enjoyable read.

[Kara · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a pleasant surprise! Though only 128 pages, it took a lot of concentration. Like the book says, true reading is slow and digestive. It changed my outlook as a both a reader and a writer. I am a participant in an act of reading that I choose to make come alive for me. It has given me perspective on prayer and how to read scripture. It was a ver accessible piece of literature quoting well known theorists like Barthes and Derrida in a way that was not overwhelming. Definitely worth the time.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Solid theory on why reading is so important. It helps you connect with God, others, and yourself. You are never alone when you read. You can channel the thoughts of someone else and become a better person because of it. Reading puts you in excellent company.

With all the tv/movie/media options, people have very little incentive to read. That is why we must discover and then teach and preach the lost art of reading for ourselves.

[Noa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a book on theory. It is written in an ... almost digestible way. The language is high but so is the content. The author gives really beautiful examples of what he is talking about but the subject material is very heavy theory and so it takes a bit of annotating and thought. I got ALOT smarter after this book. It forces you to, if you really seek to understand it.

[Kelsey Kacher · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had so many moments while reading this book when I felt the author had perfectly described my experiences in reading good books. Coleman talks about the spirituality one can find in reading, and it totally resonated with me on so many levels. The language is fairly academic and it comes off almost in essay form, so it can get a little slow, but it is worth the work.

[carrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was hard, because it was very academic. I had to reread just about every sentence. But there were some great insights about reading and society that were worth the effort. I actually didn't finish because I had to return it to my neighbor. If I had more time, I would finish it.

[Ashley Call · Rating 5 out of 5]

Coleman's In Bed with the Word helped me appreciate the art and spirituality of reading in a way I had never thought of before. This book is an excellent read for those who are studying literature or humanities in general. It powerfully reaffirms the value in studying the liberal arts.

[zoë · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worthwhile. Daniel's ideas of reading are rich. Much larger implications and reasoning than I ever would have thought of. There is a lot of fodder here to be absorbed in months to come. It will become a companion of sorts for me.

[Emily · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emily Barlow recommendation.

[Rachael · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful, insightful, humble and wise book about the spiritual nature of reading. this is one to read a few times.

[Pedro · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good philosophical read which doesnt cast God aside but keeps Him close.

[Heidi Stone · Rating 4 out of 5]

Absolutely gorgeous book about the spirituality of reading.