“Reading as a form of self discovery.” Beautiful. And I also like to read with a pen in my hand. Sometimes I use color pencils using different colors as they suit the word or phrase.
I love this post so much, thank you for writing it. I always read non-fiction with a pencil, and sometimes when reading fiction. These days I haven't been reading much fiction, but I'm looking forward to reading Ann Patchett's "Tom Lake" soon. I am now looking forward to reading "East of Eden," a classic I've missed. At present I'm reading "Survival Is A Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde" by Alexis Pauline Gumbs. I'm still early on in the book, but it may be the most creative biography I've ever read. As I'm writing a biography about Mary Haskell Minis, the friend and patron of the author/writer Kahlil Gibran ("The Prophet"), Gumbs, a new author to me, is proving to be both gifted and inspirational.
Thanks for making my day Tania! I read "Tom Lake" a while ago. I liked it. Patchett doesn't always do it for me. I thought "Commonwealth" was weak with some huge holes in it. "Tom Lake" on the other hand was solid. A good story well told.
I don't know much about Audre Lorde. You've inspired me to look into her life and work.
I've never heard of Mary Haskell Minis. I look forward to seeing your book one day.
I haven't read "Commonwealth," but I really loved "The Dutch House." I also enjoyed her book of essays published in "This is a Story of a Happy Marriage." I'm told "Bel Canto" is good. I haven't read Lorde's work, but my husband likes her poetry. I heard Gumbs speak recently, and heard others talk about her experimental biography, and I wanted to give it a try. So far I'm glad I did.
Wonderful post, Martina. I read East of Eden in my teens and loved that magnificent novel. I also recall watching the 1981 miniseries. However, back then, my favourite screen adaptation was Elia Kazan’s 1955 film with James Dean and Julie Harris.
Your detail about your father stays with me. It’s sad that he couldn’t see past the creased spine and recognize that, for you, tackling Steinbeck’s work was a defining moment. You were following your heart and finding your path. But as you suggest, he did not follow his own dreams. When I think of his unskillful reaction, I feel compassion for you both.
On the topic of Emerson, have you ever visited his home in Concord, MA? If not, I think you’d find a trip to that historic community fascinating.
Thanks! I'm glad this resonated with you. My dad was a complicated person--a survivor of childhood traumas he didn't understand were actual traumas. He couldn't do for me what he'd never experienced himself. Kids were a mystery to him, partly because his own parents didn't really know how to parent themselves. He was kind of a narcissist, too, the sort with a huge inferiority complex. Empathy wasn't a strong point.
Reading with a pencil in hand is something I do with every science and math book I've ever studied. Perhaps that's a difference between a scientist and humanist! I wouldn't think of reading a fictional book with a pencil in hand. HOWEVER, poetry--yes. Poetry is not unlike science; there are puzzles within, inferences and deductions which the reader must figure out. Reading poetry is like looking at data. Fundamentally, we ask: What do I actually know and what is a good guess? Most all analysis is based on the preponderance of evidence.
“Reading as a form of self discovery.” Beautiful. And I also like to read with a pen in my hand. Sometimes I use color pencils using different colors as they suit the word or phrase.
I love this post so much, thank you for writing it. I always read non-fiction with a pencil, and sometimes when reading fiction. These days I haven't been reading much fiction, but I'm looking forward to reading Ann Patchett's "Tom Lake" soon. I am now looking forward to reading "East of Eden," a classic I've missed. At present I'm reading "Survival Is A Promise: The Eternal Life of Audre Lorde" by Alexis Pauline Gumbs. I'm still early on in the book, but it may be the most creative biography I've ever read. As I'm writing a biography about Mary Haskell Minis, the friend and patron of the author/writer Kahlil Gibran ("The Prophet"), Gumbs, a new author to me, is proving to be both gifted and inspirational.
Thanks for making my day Tania! I read "Tom Lake" a while ago. I liked it. Patchett doesn't always do it for me. I thought "Commonwealth" was weak with some huge holes in it. "Tom Lake" on the other hand was solid. A good story well told.
I don't know much about Audre Lorde. You've inspired me to look into her life and work.
I've never heard of Mary Haskell Minis. I look forward to seeing your book one day.
I haven't read "Commonwealth," but I really loved "The Dutch House." I also enjoyed her book of essays published in "This is a Story of a Happy Marriage." I'm told "Bel Canto" is good. I haven't read Lorde's work, but my husband likes her poetry. I heard Gumbs speak recently, and heard others talk about her experimental biography, and I wanted to give it a try. So far I'm glad I did.
I look forward to reading more from you too!
The Dutch House was terrific. Her essays are good! Have you read this one: https://harpers.org/archive/2021/01/these-precious-days-ann-patchett-psilocybin-tom-hanks-sooki-raphael/
No, I'll check it out. Thank you.
Only when reading non-fiction, never fiction. I want to be immersed in fiction without taking the time to stop and jot notes.
Most people read fiction for pleasure and feel as you do about the intrusiveness of a pencil. It takes you out of the dream of story.
When I have my writing hat on and want to know how a particular effect was achieved, my marginalia can become extensive.
Wonderful post, Martina. I read East of Eden in my teens and loved that magnificent novel. I also recall watching the 1981 miniseries. However, back then, my favourite screen adaptation was Elia Kazan’s 1955 film with James Dean and Julie Harris.
Your detail about your father stays with me. It’s sad that he couldn’t see past the creased spine and recognize that, for you, tackling Steinbeck’s work was a defining moment. You were following your heart and finding your path. But as you suggest, he did not follow his own dreams. When I think of his unskillful reaction, I feel compassion for you both.
On the topic of Emerson, have you ever visited his home in Concord, MA? If not, I think you’d find a trip to that historic community fascinating.
Thanks! I'm glad this resonated with you. My dad was a complicated person--a survivor of childhood traumas he didn't understand were actual traumas. He couldn't do for me what he'd never experienced himself. Kids were a mystery to him, partly because his own parents didn't really know how to parent themselves. He was kind of a narcissist, too, the sort with a huge inferiority complex. Empathy wasn't a strong point.
Hi, Martina,
A thought:
Reading with a pencil in hand is something I do with every science and math book I've ever studied. Perhaps that's a difference between a scientist and humanist! I wouldn't think of reading a fictional book with a pencil in hand. HOWEVER, poetry--yes. Poetry is not unlike science; there are puzzles within, inferences and deductions which the reader must figure out. Reading poetry is like looking at data. Fundamentally, we ask: What do I actually know and what is a good guess? Most all analysis is based on the preponderance of evidence.
Patti
This is a great topic. I'm saving your post to give it a close read later, Martina.
Thank you for honoring it with your attention.
My pleasure. I want to read more of your posts.
You just made my day!