August 9, 2011

Reflections: I don't know what happened to me.

Hi.

So, after looking back at what I read: I'm really embarrassed.

Romance novel book club was AMAZING. IS Amazing. But damn. I read a lot of trashy romance novels. Part of this, not going to lie, is that all my coworkers read them and are totally into talking about what they are reading. (I work at a library, this is our version of "water cooler" chit chat. We're that nerdy.)

After looking at reading patterns, I think what happened was pretty simple. I have been struggling in my personal life and escapism via book has become incredibly important to me. I spent a lot of my life feeling like all the reading I needed to do should be "enriching" and "important." I moved away from that this year. I'd like to explain why.

In my first semester of library school, I was assigned to a group that was supposed to explore the theme of education vs. entertainment in libraries. It was such an awful project, but it really forced me to defend recreational reading. As in, people in my group seemed to think that reading anything not deemed "literary" was not as important as pure entertainment and escapism. I've thought long and hard about why that bothered me so deeply. That idea of some reading being better than others not only goes against my own experience of reading, but also creates and enforces ideas of cultural superiority. The literature that is considered "good" by many people in the publishing world, the review world, the "culture creators" and, yes, by librarians, is often written by fairly financially comfortable, highly educated white people. And you know what? I refuse to support a belief that because something is written for young people, ethnic minorities, urban youth, women, or "housewives" that it isn't as worthy of our attention. All reading has value to the person doing the reading. If that means that for a few hours you forget that your kids are pulling you in a million directions, that your life has not turned out the way you wanted it to be, that your job is mindless, that the socioeconomic system in which you are trapped hates you and systematically oppresses you--go for it. Read it.

Secondly, to be a good librarian, I need to not only know that certain genres exist and are popular, but I need to actually understand what is appealing about those genres. So while I read a lot of "trashy" romance novels, I 100% understand why they are popular. They are total escapism. As someone who has been very lonely for a long time, the idea that there is someone out there who would do anything to be with you, who loves you above all else, is pretty damn appealing. So I get it. I don't think romance readers believe that real life is like those books--I mean, that is the whole point of it. You read something that is so far removed from reality to forget your reality. I get it. I appreciate it. And frankly, I can enjoy it while still acknowledging the problems that exist in romance.

I've recently gotten into thrillers. These are also often derided by people who only read "literary fiction." But I've got to say, some of these books explore some interesting themes. I just read Michael Koryta's "The Ridge." It explores various themes of morality, death, religion, local superstition, etc. And while it does so on a surface level, any reader who wishes to can explore this further. And you know what? It was FUN to read.

Reading has always been a big part of my life. The books that I truly love are a part of my identity. The books I read this year included some truly amazing books, which I plan to highlight in the next few weeks. I spent too long reading books that I thought would make me a better person. But you know what? I'm a reader. I'll read anything. As long as a book makes me feel something deeply, that is a valuable reading experience.

So what did I take away from this practice of recording what I read? Mostly, that it is super exciting to be able to look back and say definitively, "Yes! I did read that!" It motivated me to finish books that I may have otherwise lagged on. The project also has helped me overcome some shame at reading things that aren't literary. I have some very dear friends that I know sneer at some of the books I read. And that is okay; to each his own. But I won't stop reading books that entertain me and make me a happier person because I'm worried about what someone else thinks of an author.

My goal for my 25th year is to read even more books and explore more genres. I hope to try to read more current books--I often don't read a book til months after it comes out, if not years later! It would also be nice to read more history. I love history and always enjoyed learning about different countries through history and literature. I would like to explore Norwegian and English history in more depth. I have read a lot about the Tudor period of English history, but not others. Finally, as I grow as a librarian, I want to read more YA literature. YA literature contains some of the most amazing books being published right now. It is an exciting field that is growing and changing. It isn't all vampires! Plus, I would like to extend my service area to teens and work more closely with them. I admire their energy, passion, and potential. They really inspire me, so I want to make sure I can relate to their reading habits.

So, that was being 24, in books. So far 25 has been great. Check back soon for highlights of my favorite books of 24! Thanks for listening. <3

August 8, 2011

April Reading Brings May Reading which brings us to June and the end of my 24th year

Spring!

When spring comes to the Midwest, everything seems to change. People are happier, the air smells different, and everything seems possible. It also draws us outside again, no longer bundled up in layers of thick wool and polar fleece. You can tell, from a distance, that we're human. Experiencing the great outdoors also means that reading usually takes a backseat to frolicking in flowers, eating fresh spring veggies, and doing other warm weather activities. That definitely happened to me this spring. I hardly read anything!

April:
The Lady Elizabeth--Alison Weir (Why can I not get over my obsession with English history, particularly Tudor history? Why?)
Water for Elephants--Sara Gruen
When You Reach Me--Rebecca Stead (So unexpectedly poignant.)

May:
I'd Know You Anywhere--Laura Lippman
Bossypants--Tina Fey (my girl yo!)
Call Me Irresistable--Susan Elizabeth Phillips
The Golden Compass--Phillip Pullman (a Mark Reads selection and OMG I WANT A DAEMON)
Vision in White--Nora Roberts (I read this series because my coworkers wouldn't stop talking about it. The characters are stereotypes, but it was kind of fun fluff for a spring that had a lot of wedding stuff going on in my real life.)
Between Shades of Gray--Ruta Sepetys (I finished this book just before a really bad storm that included the tornado sirens going off. It was very appropriate.)
Bed of Roses--Nora Roberts
Savor the Moment--Nora Roberts

June:
The Tiger's Wife--Tea Obreht (I liked it but couldn't help but be irritated that the author is younger than me and yet so incredibly talented and successful.)
Happily Ever After--Nora Roberts
Allison Hewitt is Trapped--Madeline Roux (Kind of a Madison style Shaun of the Dead in novel form. If they make the movie I should play Allison. Not joking.)
In the Garden of Beasts--Erik Larson
The Snowman--Jo Nesbo (LOVE)
Don't Tempt Me--Loretta Chase (Terrible.)

Reflections on my 24th year of reading coming soon!