The stories of my life on a little island in the middle of the Mediterranean sea ... and my occasional adventures beyond these shores.

Tuesday 15 January 2013

Of Books and Good Intentions

I know I said that I would not be making any major resolutions in 2013 and what I am making are hardly resolutions. They may more properly be termed good intentions – good intentions to broaden my horizons.
Thanksgiving (4)
Before I got married I used to read a book a week, sometimes two. Sadly, with less time on my hands, the number of books that I would read per month started to decline. Last year I reached an abysmal low. I doubt I read more than 6 books. It’s definitely time to remedy the situation. I’ve made a ‘resolution’ to get off the Internet twenty minutes early each evening and to spend the time reading - my brain needs it and my soul craves it.
Thanksgiving (3)
I know that a book is working it’s magic on me when I can’t bear to put it down yet feel a certain sense of loss once I’ve read the last word. I’ve chosen Elizabeth Gilbert’s Eat, Pray, Love to start off the year. I guess I want to see what all the hype was about (and once I’ve finished it I might watch the movie to see whether they strayed as far from the original story as they did  in Under The Tuscan Sun). But I don’t just want to read best-sellers. I would love to discover some literary gems that have been over-looked by the critics (and, more importantly, by Hollywood). So please feel free to give me some recommendations.
Eat, Pray, Love
I am noticing that I am searching inward again, striving to listen to my inner voice and seeking an oasis of calm. Perhaps it’s the best way to start a year: new books, more music and long, solitary walks with my camera round my neck – perhaps, in my own way, I’ve made some resolutions after all.

9 comments:

  1. Hello Loree:
    Reading is, at least for us, one of life's all time pleasures. Sometimes, as has happened with you, other things get in the way and one can very easily lose the habit. We are so pleased to know that you are starting up again in earnest.

    Try Sybille Bedford - we are much enjoying her at present.

    ReplyDelete
  2. I haven't made any resolutions exactly, either. I've enjoyed reading all of the various posts about resolutions, though. I would LOVE to read more. My friend wrote a book that I read over the holidays. It was the first book I have read in a LONG time...and I promised her I would read it. My daughter is a poor college student now. She was trying to read books on her kindle and turn them back in to get a refund within 24 hours. I told her that was naughty but she said that was the only way she could afford to read so many books! "Yes"...I told my husband...the poor college student approach will make her work HARD so she can get a decent salary some day!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm trying to think, Loree, what books I would recommend to you. I need to give this some thought and come back.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Well, dear friend, I'm back with suggestions for you. Have you read Jane Austen's 'Mansfield Park?' It doesn't have the same snap and vigor that 'Pride and Prejudice' does but I really think you have the temperament for it.

      For something more contemporary, light and utterly absorbing, I recommend Emily Giffin's 'Something Borrowed' and, if you like the first, 'Something Blue.' I thoroughly enjoyed all three books I have recommended and would love to know what you think if you pick up any of them.

      Have a beautiful day, Loree!

      Delete
  4. I've read both books and enjoyed them tremendously. the book versions are also much better than their Hollywood versions.

    If you like books about travel, Out of Africa is SOOO wanderlust-inducing, both book and movie. :)

    I also recommend Paul Bowles' The Sheltering Sky, which I'm reading right now.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Dear Loree - I certainly understand about finding the time to read and I do so enjoy it as well. Good luck in your endeavors. If you find something good be sure to pass it along to me.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I never do resolutions for the new year, because I wouldn't keep them because they are resolutions, lol ! I read quite a lot of books because I only can read in bed ! And I couldn't fall asleep without reading. So I read until I read always the same line and then it's time to switch off the light !

    ReplyDelete
  7. I whole heartedly agree, my brain and my soul crave for me to read more and as motherhood asked for more, reading begain to receive less
    I loved Eat, Pray, Love - look forward to finding out what you think xx

    ReplyDelete
  8. That sounds like a perfect way to start a new year! (Thanks for your always kind and supportive comments over at my place - I am okay - just more medical tests for more mystery stuff - the story of my life. But the doctor was reassuring yesterday, and life goes on. I am grateful for that!)

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by. I read and appreciate every one of your comments. I will do my best to reply whenever I can.

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails