What Does What I Read Illustrate About Me?

Sherlock Holmes is great; I only wish there were more books about this fictitious but unforgettable detective and his escapades. I like historical novels for the escape they afford to another lifetime. I also like how historical novels give me a slice of time through the interesting framework of an individual's story while showing me everyday details. I always remind myself, no matter the subject matter, that these are first and foremost novels, and thus not necessarily true. But there's no denying that the best historical novels are ones that are the most accurately portrayed, the most thoroughly researched, the most realistic. Again, they are just for fun.

Although I prefer the classics, I do on occasion read prose by modern writers. Anne Tyler is a favorite because I love getting drawn into her stories of families and relationships. Annie Proulx wrote The Shipping News; I enjoyed the tight choppy writing. Hers was a good story, and I wasn't surprised that it was turned into a movie. I check the Sunday Sun for Michael Pakenham's book reviews. I trust his opinion on modern writing. I prefer to take the chance of reading untested new writers when they are vouched for by him. Lastly, I like to read novels, again usually classics, that are depicted on PBS shows such as Masterpiece Theatre. I always enjoy the book more than the show, but it's fun to see the stories portrayed in an excellently-done film version.

What does all this illustrate about me? Because of my job, I spend an inordinate amount of time reading material that I'm not interested in. My reading for pleasure is only allotted what little time is left over. What a sad state of affairs! My goal in life is to create an inverse situation where most of my reading is for pleasure.

What does what you read say about you?

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