Book Bound

Part of the joy of holidays is leaving a busy schedule behind and doing something different. “A change is as good as a rest,” they say. I happen to agree and so here we are in Hawaii filling our days with mostly different activities than are routine at home.

One of those activities is reading for pleasure. Non-fiction is usually my genre of choice as it meets my need for information, learning, and personal growth. Rarely do I allow myself the pleasure of a new novel because, sad to say, I mistrust contemporary writers. My loved ones tell me I am sensitive; overly sensitive, in fact, and I am hard-pressed to argue with their insight. What offensive thing might he include that will stay with me long after the book is closed? Dead authors like Dickens, Jane Austen, Gene Stratton-Porter and the like are trusted friends to whom I return for inspiring narrative, rich characters and literary joy. Old friends are golden and the new just won’t do. At least, that’s what I thought.

And there’s another thing about books; recommending fiction is like trying to get two of my good but unacquainted friends to hang out and connect with each other. Just because I like them, doesn’t mean they will like each other. In my experience the match doesn’t usually work because tastes and sensitivities differ drastically. It’s the same with matching books and readers. My better judgment says, “Don’t do it!” On the other hand, when I say, “what are you reading?” it’s a sideways ask. Their answer prompts a little research, maybe a trip to the library and it is a good indication of one who reads in the same corner as me. Next time I ask what they’re reading, I’m pretty sure I will like it too. I’m happy to say, it’s a strategy that’s worked well.

With a demanding study schedule that calls for hours and hours of required reading, my “reads” this trip are rejuvenating. And since I’m almost through my stack, I may just have to find another one or two to bring me home.

Tell me, what are YOU reading?