"To cross the threshold of a book is to make a journey in total time. I don't think of reading as leisure time or wasted time and especially not as downtime. The total time of a book is more like uptime than downtime, in the way that salmon swim upstream to get home"
Jeannette Winterson
I was given this wonderful book for Christmas - "Stop what you're doing and read this". It is a series of ten essays by writers such as Ms Winterson, Blake Morrison, Zadie Smith, Mark Haddon and Tim Parks and each of them writes on why books matter, why reading matters and why stories matter. The perfect gift for me.
There are quotes galore to be enjoyed and read out loud throughout the book, but I liked this one for starters. Here, Jeanette Winterson tries to describe what reading time is - and what it is not. It made me think about how I feel about that time when I am quiet and reading and I totally agree with her - it's not leisure as such, nor is it downtime or wasted time - it is precious time where so many things happen.
Her words made me feel better about my reading time - that something magical and important is happening when I read, I'm not just goofing off and nor should I be viewed as such.
The description of it being more like uptime, like salmon swimming upstream was lovely - important to reach goals, important to get home, clearly actively achieving something. It feels to me as if she has gone some of the way to describing that special time when we are reading - the way it feels as if we are disconnected from the external world, yet totally connected to the inner world or the world of imagination. The way time flies and we feel wrenched when we have to give up the book and return to the daily world - I think these are amazing ways to experience time.
Jeannette Winterson
I was given this wonderful book for Christmas - "Stop what you're doing and read this". It is a series of ten essays by writers such as Ms Winterson, Blake Morrison, Zadie Smith, Mark Haddon and Tim Parks and each of them writes on why books matter, why reading matters and why stories matter. The perfect gift for me.
There are quotes galore to be enjoyed and read out loud throughout the book, but I liked this one for starters. Here, Jeanette Winterson tries to describe what reading time is - and what it is not. It made me think about how I feel about that time when I am quiet and reading and I totally agree with her - it's not leisure as such, nor is it downtime or wasted time - it is precious time where so many things happen.
Her words made me feel better about my reading time - that something magical and important is happening when I read, I'm not just goofing off and nor should I be viewed as such.
The description of it being more like uptime, like salmon swimming upstream was lovely - important to reach goals, important to get home, clearly actively achieving something. It feels to me as if she has gone some of the way to describing that special time when we are reading - the way it feels as if we are disconnected from the external world, yet totally connected to the inner world or the world of imagination. The way time flies and we feel wrenched when we have to give up the book and return to the daily world - I think these are amazing ways to experience time.
oo noooo not another book I'm simply going to 'have to have!
ReplyDeleteOh absolutely Ronnie - there are some beautifully written ones, along with some drier ones, but I know I'll be dipping back into it often. Its one I feel the need to underline parts and make notes in pencil in!
DeleteHow heartening! Even though a publisher of educational books in my past career, I still feel that I am idling when I read anything other than research. It's time for a reassessment! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHi Olga - it felt like an affirmation to me, that this is not downtime or wasted time, but important time. Wow! A great way of looking at things I thought, I hope you enjoy your reassessment.
DeleteFound this book in the library and read it over Christmas. I thought Jeanette Winterson's piece was so beautifully done.
ReplyDeleteCool Annie - there were some great ones weren't there? I also love Tim Parks' piece and went back and forth in it, re-reading and confirming, and nodding in agreement. So good to find a wee book that offers so much.
Deletea wonderful gift indeed!
ReplyDeletewhy is it that we consider it to be slacking off if we sit down to read in the daytime? perhaps i will start giving myself permission to do a bit of that -
and i always have to smile...
it is often your post title that reminds me of what day it is and then i think, 'is it thursday already?'
So true MJ - stopping and reading in daytime feels as if it needs permission doesn't it? Maybe we can work on it. I smiled too about Thursday - it's a little pattern in my life as well!
ReplyDeleteFiona, I've just read a post on another blog I follow and there was a round up and review of her b'best read' books of 2012, some of which I'd never even heard of. I made a list of the titles to search them out. Now I shall add this one to the list. Whoever was clever enough to buy this for you as a gift must know you inside out!
ReplyDeleteHi Lesley - I know that feeling. A friend read out a list the other day and I had hardly read any of them! It was like the perfect gift wasn't it? I am a lucky woman to have such a friend...
Delete~fiona...
ReplyDeletedisconnected from the external world, yet totally connected to the inner world or the world of imagination
could not have been spoken any better way...to open the pages of a new or old book and lose yourself within the words that are written...a gift i say...never time wasted but knowledge gained or an adventure taken is how i have always felt...problem is when one finds a book to good to be set down...time can be lost for hours upon hours...hehehe!
will have to check this book out...may you savor many many countless minutes reading...warm wishes and brightest of blessings~
Thanks Brandi - reading can transport us in those ways can't it? And I know that sense of being totally absorbed and not wanting to come back to real time! I hope you find many moments for reading this year...go well.
DeleteAnother wonderful book! Having been an addictive reader all my life I am surprisingly going through a reading slump just now. I think, for the first time ever I am feeling slightly guilty about taking time to read. So I will seek out this book, Fiona, and try to get myself back into reading mode.
ReplyDeleteHi Carol - this reflection helped me let go of a bit of the guilt and reminded me of the benefits and gains of reading - its about investing, and learning and exploring and imagining; not just a time-suck to quote the young ones. I hope you get your reading groove back soon...
DeleteOk, this is what just happened: I registered to the site and bought the book. I'll start reading it as soon as it gets here, never mind the tearful complaints of the other five books waiting on my desk to be read. Thanks, Fiona!
ReplyDeleteOh ersi - I laughed and smiled and thought -yay! More books! I hope it arrives with you soon and you can enjoy it as I did. Good on you!
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