anti-prose. random matter.
and a reading fool...
Published on May 19, 2004 By crimson In Books
It's always intrigued me how people come to consider a specific type of writing 'their favorite'. Is it all learned from endless booklists provided from their alma mater? Do they check 'the' top ten list of favorite books and pick the second least pretentious-sounding title or author to hold close to their heart? How many people could spend days in the public library exhalting in that special scent of paper and ink? How many others purchase books specifically because the color of the jacket goes well with their living room, and then later displays it on the coffee table never to be read at all?

How many people love to read? Books, magazines, newspapers, blogs, letters, and any other form of written words, including their area telephone book, if they are bored enough? How many people keep books or other reading material in other places other than by their bedside table, or a comfortable chair? Is there a specific place in your bathroom reserved for the storage of reading material? Does anyone else think that fiction is better read on the porcelain throne, than a book about the Civil War?

How many people travel with a pocketbook in their back pocket, or at least in their purse or backpack? Do they need to have some form of written word instantly available for those times when caught in traffic, on the bus, or sitting at the doctor's office? Do other people read while waiting in line at the grocery store or during morning coffee breaks? Do employees at Chapters know you by name, and do you have a 'relationship' with a book orderer? Will you spend your last dime on a book that you love, and do you know book release dates like movie openings? Do you still own your favorite books from childhood?

You might not know what I look like, but it might be me that bumps into you, while walking down the street. I'm the one with the book in hand, caught up in an imaginary setting, oblivious to those around me. I apologize for stepping on your foot, but will not be sorry about continuing with my obsession for the written word.

Comments
on May 19, 2004
Cool article. I never really thought of reading in that way, you know, reading simply to be cool or whatever. I like what I like but how do I find out what I like in the first place? Well I guess you look to the people you admire and read what they read, I know I've done that before but I can't pretend i've always enjoyed what I've read but it's all been an experience and helped me to find what I like now so that's great. I love to read and yup, I still got all my kiddy books from when I was ickle. Anyways, cool post,

-Scarlett
on May 19, 2004
I have always enjoyed reading. When I was a little girl, I would read anthing I could get my hands on. At breakfast time whether or not I was actually eating a bowl of cereal I read all four sides of a cereal box at least 2 times.
Magazines, books, newspapers, pamphlets; if it has writing on it I am reading it.

Interesting post.

Kowgirl
on May 19, 2004
I always have a book or magazine with me. I like all books. If I go to the library with nothing specific in mind I will just kind of wander the aisles and wait till a book pulls at me. I know that sounds crazy but it has introduced me to books or authors that maybe I wouldn't have picked and the weird thing is whatever book I got at the time without looking always had something about what was going on with me at the time. Nice article!
on May 19, 2004
I never really thought of reading in that way, you know, reading simply to be cool or whatever.


Scarlett, I started writing this after taking a look at several other blogger's reading favorites on a different website. It threw me for a bit because I couldn't even begin to fathom how some of these people came to pick these specific authors as their own personal favorite. It several cases, it was so obvious that they had just finished a course in contemporary fiction, or victorian classics, or american post-war authors... you know what I mean? I also happened to see a picture of a celebrity with a book laid out on the corner of a table, perfectly positioned to catch the author's name... what we consider prestigious is sometimes unbearably funny.

At breakfast time whether or not I was actually eating a bowl of cereal I read all four sides of a cereal box at least 2 times.

Kowgirl: I read cookbooks while eating. I have a serious collection, but sadly, rarely venture beyond 'Hamburger Helper' cuisine.


If I go to the library with nothing specific in mind I will just kind of wander the aisles and wait till a book pulls at me.

Kelly: some of my favorite books were discovered just this way!

Thanks for continuing to read, you guys.
on May 19, 2004

 

Is there a specific place in your bathroom reserved for the storage of reading material?


Yeah, there is.  I have a wire magazine rack on the wall next to the potty.  In it are a book about interview and interrogation techniques, a book called 'Why do clocks run clockwise and other imponderables', a copy of 'Hooked On The Outdoors', the latest copy of People, and a R.L. Stine Goosebumps book for the kids - I'm encouraging the grand tradition of reading on the pot. 


 

How many people travel with a pocketbook in their back pocket, or at least in their purse or backpack?


I do.  I've got a few in the car, and I usually have one in my purse.  When there's nothing else to do, I read.


I like the library, and I especially like Borders.  Both places make me feel tranquil and sometimes even smart.  I just like reading, period.