My goal this month focuses on writing more, but reading remains important to my routine — especially because I’m trying hard to limit my mindless social media scrolling.
I try to add non-fiction to my reading lists all the time. Truthfully, I’m not always successful with those books. My preferred reading method, which has been the same since childhood, involves lots of binging — total immersion in a story. Non-fiction doesn’t lend itself to that type of reading nor allow for the escapism I find in reading novels.
Knowing that about myself makes me even more determined to figure out some non-fiction reading skills, because I know I need to keep my mind working and flexible, not just filled with the equivalent of comfort food (hello, Stephen King book I’ve already read).
I’m doing better with Laura Tremaine’s Share Your Stuff. I’ll Go First., probably because her podcast is one of my favorites, and her writing voice feels familiar. However, I’ve been woefully remiss when it comes to any of the actual sharing exercises outlined in the book, though I think the offered prompts are thought-provoking and interesting.
Joan Didion, of course, has a lot to say. I start and stop with her, because frankly she makes me feel slightly inadequate. I know that’s not the point of her writing, but it can be difficult to read about 60s and 70s California culture and a lot of big thoughts while I’m sitting in my car, waiting to pick up my kids from school or one of their activities. I wonder, after reading, if I have that type of bravery in me, not to live as she did but to observe the world in such an unflinching way.
Ready Player One is done and ready to go back to the library, a re-read I picked up because of Dylan’s renewed interest in “classic” video games. Those games, of course, aren’t the classics referred to in Cline’s novel, but I’m a sucker for 80s nostalgia and a healthy dose of worry about the potential of an OASIS in our future.
I picked up 11/22/63 after reading Billy Summers, because Stephen King tells the best stories, and I haven’t read this one in quite some time. I haven’t started it yet, though it’s been on the shelf for a while. I will likely dive into it this week, curling up on the couch and making easy dinners until I turn the final page.