It started Memorial Day weekend. My Trophy Wife got the audiobook of "Johnny Tremain" to supplement the kids' reading of the book as we drove to Iowa and back for the weekend. I so thoroughly enjoyed the story that I was reawakened to how good books can open your mind to looking at things differently and make you think.
I then joined the summer reading program at our local library, with the challenge itself being part of the motivation, but the gift card to a bookstore just the frosting on the cake. The program included reading 5 books (1 may be an audio book) and checkign out a movie within the months of June and July. There is also a prize drawing among people who submit a review of a book.
This has really stretched me. I started reading Moby Dick--I had always wanted to read it, but never really had the excuse. It was surprisingly good, but quickly I realized that I would have to finish by audiobook on my drive to and from work--the reading was just too tedious with my limited time. Even though the reading wasn't exactly the same as reading, I think I almost got more out of it through the dramatic reading. Either way, I got to experience a book that I would not have otherwise.
Some of the other books were a little lighter, but still enjoyable. Interestingly, as I wrote the book review, I found how difficult it is to write a good review (and mine is not very good). I had the interesting experience of disliking a book by an author that 'everyone' raves about. It is another stretch to experience something that puts me at odds with a host of critics and numerous fans.
Some interesting things have happened to me since I embarked on this reading frenzy. For one, I found that I do not miss listening to the radio on the way to and from work. I had long ago stopped listening to music on the drive--it was all to repetitive and not very cerebral. I had been listening to NPR for several years--not because I agree with their viewpoints, but because it was intelligent, informative, and often unique. But I found my news junkie habit very easy to kick and I look forward to getting the time with an audiobook on the drive to and from work. It makes the time go by so quickly and lets me escape a bit on the way.
I have also found that I am a little more patient and less rushed that I had been. The thing about reading is that it is a deliberate and thourghtful process, not something you can do lightly or passively (like watching TV or listening to popular music). You must engage your mind to get anything out of it.
I find that I think a little different now. As I walk in downtown, I think about descriptions and observe thigns better. My speech is more careful and deliberate.
My Wife has reinforced this (and to some degree created a monster) by getting me a Barnes & Noble Nook e-book reader for my Milestone birthday. I love it and look forward to using it on my commutes downtown.
More to follow on this topic soon.
