Why Reading?



What makes us read certain books? Do we read them because the subject matter capitvates us, or perhaps it's because we simply ADORE the author and will read everything they've written? Maybe it's because we've heard so much about them and want to know why they are loved. Or hated. Or even feared. No matter the reason, we read because . . . we can. This morning, I got into a discussion with my boyfriend regarding the authors we read. I started reading David Foster Wallace (I'll have a somewhat review of his book Both Flesh and Not on my YouTube channel!) this morning. An essay regarding Wimbledon seemed simple enough, yet as I read I noticed that I was engrossed in his words and that I had forgotten to make my morning cup of French Roast with hazelnut creamer. And yes, as much as I adore tea, I just can't give up the Bean quite yet! But I digress. Here were the words of a man who committed suicide in 2008, a man that many in the literary world continue to adore. And . . . . a man who also was abusive to several women, according to several articles I read. So - do I stop reading him because of his past actions, or do I continue reading him because I honestly want to read him? As readers (and writers), should we overlook an author's personal life for the sake of their glorious tomes? Does their personal life have any bearing on us reading them? I will admit that one of the reasons why I don't read Lovecraft is because he was known to be a horrific racist. However, he didn't live during my time, so do I have any right to judge him? I adore Hemingway and yet he was a rake. I can't get enough of Patricia Highsmith's work, yet she was known to be somewhat racist and eccentric in a bad way. Since when did reading a book for pleasure come with baggage? I love to read. If a book grabs my attention, I will read it. Sometimes, I will do a little research on the author, just to see what kind of person they are/were, and then I usually return to their books. I read books to expand my knowledge on a subject, to give in to pleasure and relaxation, or to gain a different perspective. Some of the authors I read are long gone, yet their words live on so long as we continue to read them. I will continue reading David Foster Wallace, knowing what I know, and I will enjoy his books in my own way. 

In France, a reader of books is known as an Ink Drinker. My belly doth overflow with the ink.



Viridian Tea Company - Tea Blends for the Strange and Unusual!


(Tea of the Dominant - from the White Door Erotic Tea Collection)

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

The Crows

Image
  (tea leaves photo by me) The old crow flew down from the skies and perched next to me. Of all the times when I flew, he said in a gravelly voice, I wished to be on the ground. He cocked his head at me and waited for my reply. Instead, I set a small tin cup before him and filled it with my morning Tea. He cawed once, then lowered his beak into the warm liquid. Conversations are always important, I replied while he drank. That's why we are lost without them. The crow continued to drink the Tea. Just then, a woman with red hair and dressed in all black, walked up to us and sat down on the other side of me. I've forgotten how to think, she said in a singsong voice. The crow raised his head and cawed - then how are you talking now? His black beady eyes focused on her crooked smile. She closed her eyes and transformed into another crow. I stared off at the clouds and wondered if our thoughts betray us, or if we are the result of them. I then poured Tea into another cup and gave it
Read more

Tea Is A Good Friend of Mine - Celia Carmen Aceae

Image
Here's another great interview - meet Celia Carmen Aceae! What’s your name and what part of the world do you live in? Hi! My name is Celia Carmen Aceae and I live in Montreal, QC, Canada How long have you been drinking tea? What’s the story, morning glory? I’ve been drinking tea since I can remember. In my house, we never drank water and there was no rule against children consuming caffeine at all! I’ve only recently realized that the reason my sister and I were always labeled as crazy, wild and hyper at school, was probably because my mom sent us to class every day with a giant jug of tea. We were constantly caffeinated! Tea also means more than just Camellia sinensis for me. I’ve been reading about medicinal herbs since I was eight. My mother forbade all forms of medication in our household, so I learned at a young age how to cure small ailments with plants and tisanes. My sister was very prone to headaches and anytime she started to get one, I would hop on my
Read more

A Flash of Jazz - Acoustic Bicycle

Image
  When Abby declared that she was now the proud owner of an acoustic bicycle, I rolled my eyes and congratulated her on finally getting that last badge that would claim her to be a Black Hipster. She looked at me as though I had just told the funniest joke. You're just jealous that you didn't know the term, she laughed. At that moment, I wanted to leave but instead replied with - I've heard that snarky ass term before, thank you very much. In fact, I added with my own spoon of snark as I leaned forward on the table, I first heard it when I hung out with that really cool singer-songwriter, you know the one? Now she rolled her eyes at me, giving me full permission to continue on my soapbox. Yeah, yeah, the one who talked about planting wildflowers every time someone purchased her CDs. THAT one. So, Abby replied, I guess you're now going to save the planet, stop eating burgers, and plant a fucking tree every time someone farts? How very original, Wendell . The way she said
Read more