SOMETHING ELSE HAPPENED to me on the metro recently: I learned to read. I know it didn’t happen all at once, but today it felt like someone flicked a switch. Suddenly the lights went on inside my head and the words passed through, like one of those healings you read about at a tent revival, where blind men see and mute children speak.
Reading, the pleasure I most took for granted, finally restored. I looked around me, wondering if anyone had noticed. No one did. I was part of the urban wallpaper.
from Lunch in Paris: A Love Story, with Recipes, Elizabeth Bard
I used to read a lot of some fiction when I was younger, so most of my books are from that genre. In my mid-twenties my tastes changed and I bought more of travel & food literature. My real bookshelf is practically untouched now, except for when I need to look something up.
This might sound terribly corny, but finally purchasing an ebook reader sort of changed my life, so much that I have separation anxiety with the device even if I’ll be away for a couple of hours.
I have close to 700 lovingly curated books in my e-library, no random stuff or trashy romances. I have been more interested in nonfiction as I grew older, specifically travel narratives, memoirs, cookbooks (even if I don’t really cook!), and food literature. I probably have more than enough ebooks now to last me a lifetime.
Favorites so far (July – Sept 2012):
Blankets, Craig Thompson (graphic novel)
Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother, Amy Chua
Let’s Pretend This Never Happened: A Mostly True Memoir, Jenny Lawson
Lunch in Paris, A Love Story with Recipes, Elizabeth Bard
P.S. I do realize that I mentioned having “no trashy romances” but I did read the first Fifty Shades of Grey book. It was a waste of time.
I don’t read trashy novels either, but I’ve read Fifty Shades of Grey.(Major laughtrip, horrible writing.)A lot of my friends (especially from law school) do. According to them, it’s perfect brainless entertainment after legal work (or studying).
Chelle: I agree that it can be entertaining! I claim that it can never happen in real life, but my friend says it believable. As for me, my inner goddess is annoyed. haha.
I don’t get why some people “fall” for the story like its the best book they’ve ever read,though!
Most of my friends who read trashy novels really just treat it as entertainment. I think people who totally pattern their relationship expectations after trashy novels are ruining any future relationship before it even starts. It is so removed from real life! (cynical ba?)
As for Fifty Shades of Grey – it doesn’t bother me that people read it (entertainment, curiosity, etc… that’s fine) but people who proclaim it’s their favorite book ever – *judgment*
My e-reader changed my life. I now read at least three books a month.
Re: Fifty Shades. Meh. I tried reading it. Ended up getting annoyed. Plus, there’s much better smut out there.
chelle: Not cynical at all! I’m probably even a lot more cynical than you haha.
Lynn: What’s your e-reader? Do you have a goodreader account? 🙂
Gerat post! Thanks for sharing.
No e-reading life is complete without Calibre! calibre-ebook.com/
Guy – I do have Calibre! 🙂
My e book reader changed my life too! Imagine 1 little device and you can store thousands of books in it!