"She read books quickly and compulsively, paperback after paperback, as if she might drift away without the anchor of the printed page.”
Jane Hamilton
I don't know much about the author - she has written books that people love or loathe and I'm not sure if this quote comes from one of those books, but I like it. I know how this woman or this girl feels.
I feel terribly untethered if I don't have a book around me or some ability to read something, anything. A newspaper, a magazine, a timetable...
I have always found books to be calming and settling influences. In amongst it all, books anchor me.
In Emergency recently with Barry as he was recovering, and asleep, I sat beside him and read a book of short stories on my phone. I was so glad to have my phone as I hadn't thought to pack a real book when we left the house earlier that morning. Every visit to the hospital after that however, I had the book-bag with me and lots of options.
Being a wee bit of an introvert I also find reading a book in public - on a train, a place, at a coffee shop or clearly in a hospital, enables me to be free of having to talk to folk or interact too much. A little invisible shield goes up that almost says "Don't interrupt me, I'm on important business. I'm reading".
Whenever I need to calm myself, be quiet or settle - I turn to books. They are true companions, always different, often amusing, sometimes incredible, occasionally earth-shattering. When I need to re-energise, I go sit somewhere quiet and read. Reading a book is a tonic that renews and refreshes me and I'm sure I'm not alone.
Jane Hamilton
I don't know much about the author - she has written books that people love or loathe and I'm not sure if this quote comes from one of those books, but I like it. I know how this woman or this girl feels.
I feel terribly untethered if I don't have a book around me or some ability to read something, anything. A newspaper, a magazine, a timetable...
I have always found books to be calming and settling influences. In amongst it all, books anchor me.
In Emergency recently with Barry as he was recovering, and asleep, I sat beside him and read a book of short stories on my phone. I was so glad to have my phone as I hadn't thought to pack a real book when we left the house earlier that morning. Every visit to the hospital after that however, I had the book-bag with me and lots of options.
Being a wee bit of an introvert I also find reading a book in public - on a train, a place, at a coffee shop or clearly in a hospital, enables me to be free of having to talk to folk or interact too much. A little invisible shield goes up that almost says "Don't interrupt me, I'm on important business. I'm reading".
Whenever I need to calm myself, be quiet or settle - I turn to books. They are true companions, always different, often amusing, sometimes incredible, occasionally earth-shattering. When I need to re-energise, I go sit somewhere quiet and read. Reading a book is a tonic that renews and refreshes me and I'm sure I'm not alone.
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| ©2012 Fiona Dempster - Ken reading Barry's book, using PhotoCamera |
Just having books around can be such a comfort, but your description of the invisible protective social shield made me laugh! There have been times when I used books this way in public - especially on long train rides when one's seat companion is suffering under the delusion that you wish to spend the next four hours in lively confessional conversation! I admit, I've even pretended to be reading at times! Nevertheless there will always be the shield penetrators who will not be discouraged by monosyllabic replies and instead use the tactic of asking that most dreaded of questions "oh! what are you reading??" Groan.
ReplyDeleteMight not the same be said for the compulsion to make them and keep making them too as well as reading them? I subscribe completely to your sentiments Fiona.
ReplyDeleteI know the feeling. Yes to everything you've written in this post. When my husband was in hospital for a few months my books kept me sane. In fact I would get quite jittery when nearing the end of a book unless I had another waiting to be read.
ReplyDeletei couldn't agree with you more... even when i go to pick the kids up from school and i know i won't be waiting, i have my book just in case... i try to always carry one about... and i do the same thing on the train! :0)
ReplyDeleteThere's no doubt books can console, enthrall, educate, and remove you from stressful situations. I'm with you, and Jane Hamilton.
ReplyDeleteI'd be lost without my perpetual stack of books to be read. Some feel overwhelmed with a stack but I feel comforted and anticipation and eagerness. The reading statistics for adults are appalling. The number of adults who read more than a book a year are shockingly small - the rest of us must be doing a really good job keeping those publishing houses in business!
ReplyDeleteWe're on some cosmic wave length because I felt compelled to share book goodies on my blog too -think it's scheduled for tomorrow. But I'll understand if you're curled up somewhere reading..... :)
Hi G/TT - you capture it so well!
ReplyDeleteLesley I think you might be right - like reading I am always thinking of making the next one...
Hi RObyn - I know that skittery feeling when you worry you'll finish before you have another ready to go. They are such great companions rent they?
Hi MJ - I smiled and laughed! It's best to always have one just in case i think. And the train - oh yes, the invisible shield is shared by many of us it seems.
Indeed Jo - they can do all of that and more I think.
Hi Terrie - knowing there is a stack waiting is encouraging and exciting, not scary I think. Its definitely curl up and read weather her today and after this I plan to go do that. Will see your post soon. Go well.
I've always thought I was born to read and almost all my friends feel the same. As I travel a lot by train I also shield myself with a book, though the other day I was reading a book on my iPad and two old gentlemen became my new best friends as they chortled over my e-book.
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