I’m currently a member of 2
book clubs and a short story group sponsored by the Davenport
I appreciate the librarians
who’ve put these lists together. They have done a great job. They’ve included
books I would not have chosen on my own. Books that I’ve found challenging. One
book in particular became quite timely when the author was found not to have
been entirely truthful. He made headlines the month we read his book. Needless
to say, it dampened the group’s discussion.
I mention this because at
some point I, as a writer, could be asked, “What are you reading now?”
I’ve been to readings where
this question does get asked. So, yes, I’ve thought about it. Right now, I
would pull out my trusty book club lists and that would become my answer. It
would get me off the hook.
Now, if I were asked about my
favorite book, I’d be hard pressed for a good answer.
In the past, I think I would
have said The Time Machine by H. G.
Wells. I think about it a lot. Of course, it might be that clues about Eloi and
Morlocks keep coming up in crossword puzzles. I might just stick with that one
anyway. It’s safe.
In thinking about the books
I’ve read over a lifetime, I have to admit that I’ve enjoyed them all, for all
kinds of reasons.
There have been a few
exceptions. The Exorcist and Jaws were good reads, but, in my
opinion, proved that movies could be better than the books. The lesson here
probably relates to sagacious editing and not liking pretentious profanity.
Fortunately, I’ve only had a
handful of books that I couldn’t actually finish.
My memory of specific books
may be becoming cloudier, but I remember the first grade and its oversized Dick and Jane books. I can still recall
the day when “See Spot Run.” actually made sense. I was amazed by the
transformation.
I still try to keep myself open to that feeling
whether I’m reading or just exploring the world.
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