Why is it that my favorite books recently have been "young adult" fiction, or books about insanely death defying zombie killing vampire executioners? That, and the fact that I am thinking of quitting my job and making a career change, worry me- am I having an early onset (I hope) mid life crisis?
Oh, but wait: I am always thinking of quitting my job and making a career change. And I spend so much time lately reviewing "the Domains of Life" and plant anatomy- so that I can teach it to my students- that I don't have focus or energy for anything more complicated than the standard 'vampire meets girl, vampire falls in love with girl, girl nearly gets killed' stories. That, and the fact that these stories are so far removed from reality that I can in no way project my own life/ family/ children into them, so they in no way produce new fears/ worries/ concerns over the health and safety of my loved ones, makes them perfect for me. As long as I don't read anything too creepy when Greg is not home, I'm good. I refuse to be ashamed that I'm reading these. OK, I was a little embarrassed to walk out of Barnes & Noble with my reserve copy of "Breaking Dawn" in my hands along with a whole little fan gift package of "I Heart Edward" stickers and pins, but instead of hiding my books, I flaunted them- and even got several people at work, and my sister, all hooked as well.
I do have several other more respectable titles on my shelf, waiting for me to dig in and read, but they just don't call to me right now. And some of the "young adult" genre aren't as enjoyable as others (like this and especially this). Also, I have recently rediscovered the library; I always loved the library, and there is nothing more satisfying then coming home with a stack of books just waiting to be opened and you can't decide which to read first, except, perhaps, actually having the time to read them. I find myself using the library differently now, though; instead of taking my time, browsing the shelves, enjoying the quiet smell of all that potential good reading, I find myself looking quickly, or reserving books online. I am currently working my way through a series (the trashy vampire executioner one)(I am not ashamed!)- most of which is not at the local library; I am trying to space them out so I'll read one, request the next through the interlibrary loan, and fill in with a book of a different genre. I wish I had more time to browse, but sometimes when I'm in a rush I'll just pick something randomly off the shelf to bring home. It's no big commitment, after all; if I don't like it, I can just bring it back. (Except for that part of me that hates to leave a book unfinished). On the other hand, I've picked up a few books that I've really enjoyed (like this and this and this)(and I just found out that the last one is being made into a movie. Nice!) So it is working out well.
I thought about getting a Kindle, but I just love the smell and feel of a book. Remember the scene in Sex and the City (the movie) when Big asks Carrie if she is the only woman left in the world who still reads library books? Well, I guess, in this small respect I am just like Carrie Bradshaw. Who knew that a dusty library book could be so glamorous?
2 comments:
I totally agree with you about the smell and feel of a book. I don't imagine I'll ever want a kindle just b/c there is something so wonderful and comforting about taking a book off a shelf and holding it in your hands.
I just bought Twilight at a used book store last week. I'm going to have to jump on the bandwagon as sheer curiousity is getting to me!
Man, I miss libraries! I have to get a membership to the Hamden one....I'm having such a hard time making time to read. Still working on Sarah'd Key, which I am enjoying, but I just can't get it done. There is just never time for me to just sit and read.
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