I have found that I can only read certain books during certain seasons or better yet, circumstances of life. For example, while we were going through the packing/loading/moving across the world stage of life, the only thing that would do was John Grisham. Grisham is a fun read, not too intense, definately easy and perhaps forgettable. Of the six or so Grisham books I have read, I only remember the story lines of two, not withstanding those of which I have seen the movies - also very entertaining. In fact, during the packing/loading/moving across the world stage of life last summer, I began a Grisham book, found it familiar, so proceeded to skim the book until I came to the place where I must have left off before, and then continue to read from there. Seemed like a good idea until I found myself to have skimmed to the end. It was all familiar. I had read the entire book before and not remembered. And that's what I love about Grisham - he is an intelligent and entertaining read without taxing on my limited resource of a brain.
So in light of this line of thinking, I have taken The Idiot by Dostoyevsky off my reading list for now. For some reason I was not getting through it - I just don't seem to have the mental energy required to really get into my Russian hero and learn Spanish at the same time. I love Crime and Punishment - my cat is named after one of the Brothers Karamazov - I am deeply sympathizing with Prince Myshkin - but he is wearing me out. That is not a good sign. I would much prefer to put the Prince back to bed for a little while until I can give him the rightful attention that he needs. Verdad?
In his place I have brought out Adam Dalgliesh - P.D. James' super-detective of Scotland Yard who reminds me in some ways of the Vincent D'Nofrio character on Law & Order Criminal Intent. Dalgliesh knows everything. I like him. We'll see if I can engage Dalgliesh while still engaging stem-changing verbs and delving the mysterious depths of por and para.
Spanish. That's what's wearing me out. And keeping me from the Prince. But alas, tis only a season I know. Someday I will be able to conjugate on the spot and order a pizza and know that what I have asked for is coming to me....and then...maybe...just maybe...I will meet the Prince again.
3 comments:
Did you read the Book of Hours by Bunn, yet? Or the Angela Hunt one? 'Can't remember which one I gave you.
I'm missing you, friend! About now, I could use some rotel cheese dip & chips, time with Heather and listen to the kids playing in the background. Or another silly movie together...or a game...or soakin' our feet in some of that very soft Bath and Body Works stuff...or listen to you and Chris joke/argue over something...now that would be very nice.
Love you!
Holly
Prince Myshkin was so...not like me, and that's what made him cool. I had to stop reading "The Possessed" (or "The Devils") for the same reason. I think I moved to a Jules Verne book instead.
Heather, we love you and miss you. In the next couple weeks, I'll let you know everything we've collected, so that you can prioritize what you want us to bring. Talk to you soon.
I had the same problem when trying to read Crime and Punishment during a semester. Dostoevsky is just too heavy sometimes.
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