Books vs. Life
Posted by elena | Posted in General, Literary musings | Posted on 27-04-2009
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I devoured so many books in the last month that I have forced myself away from the last few pages of Breakfast At Tiffany’s to write this post.
Growing up, I could count the number of friends I had on one hand, and still have most of the fingers left over. Those were my glorious bookworm days, when I would literally walk everywhere with my nose in a book, and had a sixth sense for looming objects in my path.
Then when I turned fifteen, I looked around and realised that not only had I begun to seriously lag in my book-chomping, but now had a circle of friends to hang out with. And then a couple of years after that I started drinking with said friends. And somehow between uni assignments and weekends filled with hangovers my bookshelf started gathering dust, except for the occasional trashy novel (a la Anita Blake).
Since that first crazy year and a half of uni, especially more recently, I find myself withdrawing more and more from my social life and into the worlds of my beloved books. Ever blown off friends because you were engrossed in Capote (or Austen)? I have, and increasingly too.
Which leads to the question, is it possible to maintain a healthy social life while still managing to read to your heart’s content? Or do we have to choose?
At the moment, I would gladly choose my mountains of books, however something tells me that one day I’ll gladly put a book down to grab a coffee with a mate, or go out dancing.
Thoughts?
P.S. Still trying to pick which Deadpool issue to review and Breakfast At Tiffany’s will be up here soon as well :)
Not in the slightest if you make time for both – some reading in the morn before rising and at night before sleep. Even after a drink or three. I tend to leave business reading to breakfast and lunch.
I’m still managing 4-7 titles a week, so it seems to be working.
I think there’s one other element though – online reading. There’s always a plethora if you’re interested in your industry (assuming your industry has a decent online presence), let alone blogs etc.
All in all, I wouldn’t be surprised if some people are actually consuming more written content than they have in the past, albeit via different mediums.
Hey you make a good point Tim, I hadn’t even counted any online reading (and I probably should, being a journo and all – I do read heaps online).
Some of my previous jobs were actually so boring I could polish off a book in a couple of shifts…maybe that’s the key!
Ahh – reading vs life, especially if it’s work or uni. I find balancing my beloved books with friends very easy (but I’m very amazed at how little bookish friends I do have. Some even break out in a rash if we happen to go PAST a bookstore and my eyes gaze longingly at it). I don’t think you should be made to choose. Just do whatever makes you happy. If you want to get through several books then why not do a self-imposed exile from the world? Make yourself unavailable for a couple of weeks (although missing out on birthdays and weddings is a no-no…) :-)
Personally, it’s been way too hard for me to juggle. At the moment I’ve made the time, so I agree with Mae, just do whatever makes you happy. I’m happier readding than watching tv atm. So that’s what I’m doing. And I do love snuggling under the doona with a good book, now that the weather is cooler and the nights are getting darker earlier. I find I get at least 2 hours per night rather than 1hour (if I’m lucky) in summer.
I think if you find a good book, you won’t put it down regardless…
Happy juggling…
I was that quiet boy who sat at the back of the classroom and who never got picked to be on anyone’s team. Not savvy in sports. Not social. I hung out with a few friends who have stuck by me. By the time I was introduced to a library, I withdrew completely from the social life into the world of books, which mirrored my imagination and fancy.
I don’t think it’s a big deal, especially if you’re reading something good.
In regards to the Deadpool issue, have you read Cable and Deadpool #24? Deadpool fights Spiderman and makes jokes about Tobey Maguire, it’s awesome.
Inez – I LOVE snuggling under doonas! With books. I keep the window open and fan on pretty much all through winter (unless I have to get up early)
Matt – sounds like my kinda life!
Anthony – I haven’t read that one! I only have the first Cable and Deadpool. I wanna read the Tobey Maguire jokes! Have you read Baby’s First Deadpool? “Though he doesn’t agree with their lifestyle, Captain America is friendly to his vegetarian friends.”
“Deadpool bounds up vegetarians and force-feeds them meatloaf” hehe
I love Baby’s First Deadpool, it’s hilarious. Cable and Deadpool #24’s great, he’s all like “But you were so adorable in your movies – Tobey Maguire – teary doe eyes, disheveled hope and that sweet lisp!” haha. Also, make of this what you will: http://www.newsarama.com/film/050906-Deadpool.html
I’m kind of meh about it.
[...] first memories of life involved my nose being in a book. As I mentioned in a previous post, my only friends were my books. My big brother was apparently the one that infected me with the [...]