It is impossible for me to read two books at once. It just isn't done. I can't sleep with one book and then fuck around on the side and betray it with another.

I read all the time. When I used to take the train to and from work, I read each way. A handbag's worth was measured by the ability for me to fit my wallet, kleenex, mobile phone, lipstick, and a book in it. Now that I drive, I read less but still just as much.

I also read very, very fast. And unfortunately I tend to remember most of what I mean, which means that after 25 years of being able to read (I started when I was 4), my brain is very full. Of the type of nonsense that will save me in "Jeopardy" but is pretty worthless if you are talking day-to-day survival. I'll read anything and everything-any genre, in general. Except sci-fi. I am just not kosher enough to keep up with the lingo.

In case anyone is interested, thought I would update regularly on what I read. It is currently "Fragrant Harbour" by John Lanchester.

And the other thing is, I always finish a book once I have started it. Always. There are only five exceptions. They are thus:

- "Moby Dick", by Herman Mellville. My nemesis book. I had to read it in High School, but couldn't get through it. I couldn't get through the Cliff Notes or film either, so I gave up. Whatever. A man's struggle against nature, himself, obsession. Book yourself with a therapy appointment and get over it.

- "Drowning Ruth" by Christina Schwartz. It was an Oprah book, but that was not why I tried to read it. I thought it was so ghastly and the characters so limpid that I was hoping they all fell through the ice.

- "Röde Orm", or "The Long Ships" in English. Partner Unit requested I read it. It's a Swedish classic about the Vikings. All I could get out of it was that they were a bunch of drunkards with the IQ of a rock. It was the only book I took with me on a business trip to Bangkok. God knows I tried to get through that one, and wound up buying a Stephen King book at the airport (was all they had in English).

- a book about the British SAS, whose name I cannot recall now. I just couldn't keep up with all the covert names for things. Must be a British thing.

- "Neuromancer", by William Gibson. I know it's a classic, and it was my first foray into sci-fi. It is also my last foray. It was just too tedious for me. Go ahead and jack in, Case. I could give a shit. And does the author know that "The Matrix" stole most of his plot, or does he not care?

Books. My passion. But unlike my lovers:

- They only happen one at a time.
- I always finish them.
- And get some satisfaction.

Mitty-ism.

-H.

Posted by: Everydaystranger at 12:20 PM | No Comments | Add Comment
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