It’s an obsession— 🤣 But honestly, I’m in my 40’s with no little ones to take care of— my son graduated from college this Spring.
After my sister died years ago & like many who grieve— I found reading impossible. So for years I did audibles. Time heals & then it felt like returning home when I picked up a book— after being exiled for so long from my reading habits. Reading became different— I found a depth after being away from language. Helped me code my world.
you asked… ☺️
#[0]
I did ask. And what a forthright answer. It's astonishing how many books you reference and of such variety. I'm glad it provides you solace--stories have always done that for me.
I think about Percy Shelley and universalizing personal pain--at least I think it was Shelley who talked about that.
I used to read a lot, lot more, but now I'm fixated on output and what I read is mostly research to fill in gaps. Most of the stuff I post is just grist for writing.
Reading does provide solace & insight. Time is precious— I hope you continue to find what you need for the present moment— the necessary soil, rain, wind, sunlight, shadow— whatever it takes to create. Good luck!
The process & craft of writing is exciting.
I read Shelley mostly in my 20’s— time to revisit.
“Universal pain” reminds me of something James Hillman wrote about in a book called Healing Fiction.
I need to reread Shelley’s “A Defense of Poetry” — it’s been years & years. https://www.poetryfoundation.org/articles/69388/a-defence-of-poetry
I need to reread it too.
