In which I admit that I am sometimes afraid to start a book
I have been reading a lot of fluff lately. I am not exactly apologizing for that, because my take on reading lite is that people should read whatever they want without being ashamed or feeling that they have to explain themselves. Fluff is fine. I think reading as a form of escape is fine (though maybe not all the time). The problem with fluff is that it gets you out of the habit of having to read for comprehension. I can read something light with about half my mind and still finish it in less than two hours. I have read so much fluff lately that I’m afraid to start Howards End. It’s been on my list for a while [aside: I always put really "important" books on my list. And then I'm a little intimidated to actually read them. Anyone else do that?] and I pulled it off the shelf today. It’s sitting on my desk waiting to be read. I just have to be willing to start it.
I am often afraid to start a new book (which I don’t think I have ever admitted before - take from that what you will!). Not because I fear becoming engrossed in it - that excitement about a book is one of my most favorite things. No, I am mostly afraid I won’t be able to keep all the facts straight. I’m afraid I’ll miss something and be confused. I am very afraid of being confused. This fear is especially prominent when I am reading an author I have never read before. I was very apprehensive about starting Girl with a Pearl Earring, but those fears were completely unfounded. I was drawn into the story from the very first chapter. I love the feeling I get when a book is easy to get into, when I care about the characters.
From what I remember, I enjoyed the movie version of Howards End. I guess we’ll see if I also enjoy the book. (See what I’ve done here? I used my lunch break to write this post, so now I don’t have to start it yet. Sneaky, eh?)
April 26th, 2004 at
I am often apprehensive about starting “serious” books. I feel like I should be taking notes or something, and that kills all the fun for me.
April 26th, 2004 at
what qualifies as fluff..and what qualifies as serious?
April 26th, 2004 at
I don’t know, exactly. Fluff doesn’t mean popular fiction to me, because some popular fiction is excellent. Romances are usually fluff, and a lot of chick lit. A lot of formulaic mysteries are fluff. I guess it’s a “I know it when I see it” kind of thing. But if I can coast through it without using any brain power, I know it’s fluff. (Most Christian fiction? Fluff.)
What’s your definition of fluff, Mr. Shearer?
April 26th, 2004 at
You and I are opposites. I read mostly for educational purposes, but lately, I have been reading some fiction books. I think it has really helped me think more creatively. Sometime you just have to do things a little differently.
April 26th, 2004 at
I have noticed that, too, Adam. I am always impressed with the books you cite on your blog.
April 26th, 2004 at
Were you able to read those two books that I recommended?
April 26th, 2004 at
Not yet, Rose. I saved the email, though, so they are on my list. (I have been afraid to start them, you see. I’d rather stick with the comfortable known quantities I have been reading. This is a prime example of what I was talking about.)
April 26th, 2004 at
Not sure what I would define fluff as….”choose your own adventure” is definately not it though.
April 26th, 2004 at
Choose your own adventure is the worst kind of fluff. hehe.
April 26th, 2004 at
Sarah found about 12 of them when she cleaned out her room. We still have them. heheh.
April 26th, 2004 at
I told you you could steal my brother’s. I don’t think he needs them anymore.
I remember going to the public library in Charlotte and there were shelves and shelves of choose your own adventure books. Those were the days.
April 26th, 2004 at
Id very much call Christian fiction, fluff. Thats one of the reasons I like to read it.
“Important” books do the same thing to me Kari. And Ive had done the same thing with the list too. I have a few books on my shelf that are going to take more getting into and I just flat out dont want to read something like that right now. Is that bad?
April 26th, 2004 at
I don’t think it’s bad (except maybe in very rare, extenuating circumstances). I read a LOT of fluff when I need a break from thinking (when I need a break from graduate school!). I’m reading a Sophie Kinsella novel right now - anything she writes is the very definition of fluff! But it’s fun.
April 26th, 2004 at
Are you reading the new one? What’s it called - something like “Can you Keep a Secret?” We were looking at it today, since it just got processed and is ready to go on the shelf.
Alisa, that’s exactly what I do. I guess I am afraid to work at reading sometimes. I think it’s only bad when it turns into most of the time. I really think it’s okay to read fluff if that’s what you’re in the mood for.
April 27th, 2004 at
hi kari, im a new reader, and i have to tell you, i just don’t know what to do with myself…so many people, who love books, love reading…who knew you guys were out there?!
April 27th, 2004 at
Hi, Autumn! Thanks for coming by! What do you like to read?
April 27th, 2004 at
oh my, kari, i like to read about anything! earlier this semester, i was giving myself a “free reading hour” but it kind of got lost in the craziness of the semester. currently, i am on a quest to read till we have faces by c.s. lewis. i was looking for a copy in the library, but it’s checked out til the semester is over…i think i’m just going to buy it. and, i started that book that was on ochuk’s blog (girlfriend in a coma). so far, it has been an odd read.
April 27th, 2004 at
I haven’t read any Coupland, but I know Michaela really likes him. I put him on my list. hehe.