Open Books Chicago discussion

I'm curious. I had a long and winding discussion with a friend the other night.

I'd love to know your reasons.

Feel free to comment on what "literature" is to you and whether or not what you read matters any more or less than how you interpret what you read.

#latenightquestions

>>>whether or not what you read matters any more or less on how you interpret what you read.

I'm not sure I understand this part of the question.

As for what "literature" is, I'd say I borrow the Supreme Court's definition of pornography to define literature as well: I know it when I see it.

Anne wrote: ">>>whether or not what you read matters any more or less on how you interpret what you read.

I'm not sure I understand this part of the question.

As for what "literature" is, I'd say I borrow the..."

Edited for clarity. That's what I get for posting right before bed.

Ok, still not totally sure I'm clear about what you're getting at here. Are you suggesting that the category of literature is totally dependent on individual perception? Like if I were to read The Babysitter's Club #36 _Jessi's Babysitter_, and perceived it to be literature, that would make it so?

Not exactly.

More like: if you read Baby-sitters Club #36 _Jessi's Babysitter_ and learn something from it, but read a title heralded by Harold Bloom and learn nothing from it, what makes reading "literature" any more important than reading Baby-sitters Club #36?

The questions were separate. How do you define literature is the first.

Is interpretation of or approach to reading material more or less important than the reading material? That is the second.

I wasn't suggesting anything. I was curious what others thought about this issue.

I now also would like to know... Why #36? :)

Hmmm... I guess I'd say the reason reading canonical "literature" is important -- even if it's tripe -- is the same reason that reading popular pulp is important, (even if it's tripe): we need to have read the same books if we're going to fight fairly about them. For instance, because I've read them both, I can tell you with certainty why I hate both _Moby Dick_ and _Twilight_.

As for why #36: I thought I chose the number arbitrarily, but it turns out it came out the summer after I was in 4th grade, which is when I was MOST into the BSC, so I must have been remembering it subconsciously. Though if you'd like a synopsis, I highly recommend this blog:

http://bscrevisited.blogspot.com/2008...