Thanks so much Christi! 15 minutes in the waiting room without a book sounds like a slog. Fifteen minutes with one sounds delightful — plus a maximization of time. 🙃
My father, who doesn’t read novels, has always criticized my mother for never being without a book. That she avoids dealing with the pathology of her mind by escaping into other worlds. I’ve always resented this, as it seems just another way for him to judge her unnecessarily for something she loves that he doesn’t understand. At an interview dinner, I stayed in my hotel room finishing Pillars of the Earth, instead of drinking with fellow applicants afterwards, not so much to avoid social interaction although that’s part of it, but mostly because it was so damn good. I have access to a book at all times be it on my kindle app on my phone, audible or a hard copy. But I write too and there are plenty of hours of the day to still be inspired and observant while also indulging book love. Escaping into stories feels good, whether you’re running from something in real life or running towards a beautifully constructed world. Either way, of course you’re going to be introspective about this because you’re a writer, but I’d say there’s no reason to change your habits.
If there was any doubt you were a writer, this comment solidifies it! So many beautiful points (I screenshot it even so I can come back to it.) I would feel the way you do about your parents. It’s not a bad thing to always be reading! I read Pillars of the Earth many years ago and still think about it. It’s absolutely incredible. In fact, maybe I want to reread it now that I’m older and understand more about the world. Nobody can blame you for staying in your room and reading that! Thanks for the reminder that, even if we’re always reading, there are still plenty of opportunities to observe. 🧡
Oh god this is me. I am SUCH a book in my pocket/handbag/car/under arm person.
I’ve always thought that that’s because I just love reading so much that I’d like to read in every spare moment, but perhaps I do feel like every moment must be productive or entertaining in some way. I’ve started to not wear headphones on train journeys and in public, which helps. It’s quite nice to hear everyday noises and conversation, and I often find I take it all in and even find a bit of writers’ inspo here and there.
Okay I am so happy to hear this. I felt kind of douchey writing this post, like, we get it, you like to read! But it really is what you said -- does EVERY moment need to be productive? I'm impressed you go headphone-less on the train! That's exactly a time where I'd be like I MUST READ or write or do something else productive. The noticing is so important!
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! What an amazing interaction. And way to go claiming that writer space!! I haven’t read The Librarianist but I like the sounds of it 😍
OMG Bunny!!!! I have so many thoughts, I was going to give it 2-3 stars but then the last chapters blew my mind, so it went up to 4 stars. There’s so much to talk about!
It is A MIND-F*%#!!! Part of me was disappointed with the reveal, like way to pull me along (reminds me of Seating Arrangements in that way, side note!) but I think I liked it. I didn’t LOVE Bunny though.
Same here, Peachy. In small pockets of time I enjoy looking around to see who else - if anyone else - is not doing their phone. If I'm near the end of a very good book, I will read while waiting in line (I just did this over the weekend, finishing Rachel Kushner's Flame Throwers while waiting in line for food at the airport. As I was leaving, a very young person burst out of the kitchen door and said, "Ma'am, what's your job?" When I realized he was talking to me, and because I was feeling kicky long weekend vibes, I tried out "I'm a writer." He was so happy! He said, "I knew it! You guys are ALWAYS reading!")
What bugs me is not having a book to read, but not having something on hand to mark up my book.
I just started THE LIBRARIANIST, by Patrick deWitt.
Love the intention to be more aware of the need for constant input. I’m guessing many of us will say, social media - though I only indulge here on Substack now. I wish I read more. Just finished Henry Hoke’s incredible book, Open Throat. Maybe you recommended it few mi the ago? If so, thanks! I’m rereading it now.
YES! I recommend that book seemingly every day!! I love that you not only read it but are rereading it!! Incredible.
You might find you’d be able to squeeze in 5 mins here, 10 there, if you carried the book everywhere you go. The time adds up! But at the same time, like I said, do I NEED the constant input? Can I not just chill?!!
I have no social media on my phone (though occasionally I log into Facebook mobile if I need to check something in a group post). I have to admit though that I usually read email newsletters like yours while waiting. Or cull email. Or write in Google Docs. And in the grocery store I snag a free read of magazines I wouldn't buy. But so much of life, especially parenting young kids, is an intellectual vacuum, why wouldn't you put some interesting words in it?
An intellectual vacuum! What a phrase! Good for you for not having any social media on your phone. I've tried that and it didn't last long. A nice reminder that maybe I want to try it again! I think filling your waiting with reading is a great use of time. I found myself being so irritated when I didn't have my usual thing to fill my time with, and that definitely made me pause. The discomfort made me realize I needed to sit with my discomfort some more 😂
Well to be honest, I am retired and I am home quite a few hours of the day so I just do social media when I am home. Not less of a habit, just one I don’t really want to be doing when out and about. And none of my life events merit live real time posting!
As a voracious reader :) , I have two books in my car at all times. This line struck me : what I needed most of all was to sit with my thoughts. Sitting and mulling over the thoughts expressed in those books we devour seems even more vital than merely the consumption of them.. You've expressed that thoughtfully here.
Thank you, Wendy! It really is good (for me, anyway!) to spend some time thinking about the books I'm consuming, rather than just jumping from one to the next to the next. It's allowing myself to luxuriate a little bit before moving on. That, or watching the guy dance in the sauna 😂
Ah yes, luxuriate, an apt word. I luxuriate in knowledge. It's why I underline sentence in books. I'm a little odd like this- when I come across a sentence well crafted, I step back, in awe, and alowing those words to flow in and out; it becomes embodied.
THAT IS ME! You’re not odd. Or, if you are, I am too. I feel the same way about a beautiful sentence. I have such a hard time reading library books (even though a big chunk of the books I read are from the library) because I can’t scrawl all over them. I am a huge underliner. I imagine you are too?
Oh yes! There was a time in my life I compiled a book of such sentences, and when I felt frustrated with my own writing, I'd read them. I mostly borrow books from my library- upwards of 2k a year- but when I just love the author's style, I honour their work, and buy it :)
This is such an interesting, and relatable, reflection. In addition to wanting to make the most of my time, as you mentioned, I also find I feel a little 'not quite myself' if I go too long without reading - and sometimes 'too long' can be that 15 minutes in the waiting room! Thank you for sharing this post, and allowing me to reflect right along with you!
I feel the same way. I just finished The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante. In which the MC speaks about slowing down and rereading passages from Anna Karenina. I'm starting 1974 by Francine Prose, I've enjoyed her other books.
The Days of Abandonment is one of my favorite books of all time. What did you think of it?? Thanks for reminding me of that part, I completely forgot about the Karenina bit!
I loved it. The breakup was so brutal, it drew me in. I felt stifled, desperate, and stuck in that apartment, but the strongest parts were at the end when she faced the two men in her life. Her comments about Mario looking at the void and running to Carla struck me, especially since she knows what it’s like to come through the void. The way it swept away with Carrona and his gift for meaning resonated past the finish.
What an absolutely beautiful way of summarizing your thoughts on the book! The very last line (so we loved each other for a long time, in the days and months to come, quietly) is so tender and un-Ferrante. It has stuck with me for years.
I mean, it’s good to be so self-aware, and everyone gets to decide what addiction means for them, but girl don’t give yourself TOO hard time about loving books. They’re books.
Thanks so much Christi! 15 minutes in the waiting room without a book sounds like a slog. Fifteen minutes with one sounds delightful — plus a maximization of time. 🙃
My father, who doesn’t read novels, has always criticized my mother for never being without a book. That she avoids dealing with the pathology of her mind by escaping into other worlds. I’ve always resented this, as it seems just another way for him to judge her unnecessarily for something she loves that he doesn’t understand. At an interview dinner, I stayed in my hotel room finishing Pillars of the Earth, instead of drinking with fellow applicants afterwards, not so much to avoid social interaction although that’s part of it, but mostly because it was so damn good. I have access to a book at all times be it on my kindle app on my phone, audible or a hard copy. But I write too and there are plenty of hours of the day to still be inspired and observant while also indulging book love. Escaping into stories feels good, whether you’re running from something in real life or running towards a beautifully constructed world. Either way, of course you’re going to be introspective about this because you’re a writer, but I’d say there’s no reason to change your habits.
If there was any doubt you were a writer, this comment solidifies it! So many beautiful points (I screenshot it even so I can come back to it.) I would feel the way you do about your parents. It’s not a bad thing to always be reading! I read Pillars of the Earth many years ago and still think about it. It’s absolutely incredible. In fact, maybe I want to reread it now that I’m older and understand more about the world. Nobody can blame you for staying in your room and reading that! Thanks for the reminder that, even if we’re always reading, there are still plenty of opportunities to observe. 🧡
You’re so kind! I’d like to reread it too. Made it through the second one in that series but only 1/2 through the 3rd. Pillars was the best one IMO!
Pillars is the only one I’ve read in the series! I feel like another one couldn’t possibly be as good!
Oh god this is me. I am SUCH a book in my pocket/handbag/car/under arm person.
I’ve always thought that that’s because I just love reading so much that I’d like to read in every spare moment, but perhaps I do feel like every moment must be productive or entertaining in some way. I’ve started to not wear headphones on train journeys and in public, which helps. It’s quite nice to hear everyday noises and conversation, and I often find I take it all in and even find a bit of writers’ inspo here and there.
Okay I am so happy to hear this. I felt kind of douchey writing this post, like, we get it, you like to read! But it really is what you said -- does EVERY moment need to be productive? I'm impressed you go headphone-less on the train! That's exactly a time where I'd be like I MUST READ or write or do something else productive. The noticing is so important!
If they’re little pockets of time, I often end up staring into space 😂
If I catch someone’s eye and they look friendly or open, I sometimes strike up a conversation and chat.
Right now, I am reading BUNNY by Mona Awad!
I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!! What an amazing interaction. And way to go claiming that writer space!! I haven’t read The Librarianist but I like the sounds of it 😍
I’m impressed by this! I almost never just chill, and I totally need to work on that.
LMK what you think of Bunny! It is a trip!!!
OMG Bunny!!!! I have so many thoughts, I was going to give it 2-3 stars but then the last chapters blew my mind, so it went up to 4 stars. There’s so much to talk about!
It is A MIND-F*%#!!! Part of me was disappointed with the reveal, like way to pull me along (reminds me of Seating Arrangements in that way, side note!) but I think I liked it. I didn’t LOVE Bunny though.
Same here, Peachy. In small pockets of time I enjoy looking around to see who else - if anyone else - is not doing their phone. If I'm near the end of a very good book, I will read while waiting in line (I just did this over the weekend, finishing Rachel Kushner's Flame Throwers while waiting in line for food at the airport. As I was leaving, a very young person burst out of the kitchen door and said, "Ma'am, what's your job?" When I realized he was talking to me, and because I was feeling kicky long weekend vibes, I tried out "I'm a writer." He was so happy! He said, "I knew it! You guys are ALWAYS reading!")
What bugs me is not having a book to read, but not having something on hand to mark up my book.
I just started THE LIBRARIANIST, by Patrick deWitt.
Love the intention to be more aware of the need for constant input. I’m guessing many of us will say, social media - though I only indulge here on Substack now. I wish I read more. Just finished Henry Hoke’s incredible book, Open Throat. Maybe you recommended it few mi the ago? If so, thanks! I’m rereading it now.
YES! I recommend that book seemingly every day!! I love that you not only read it but are rereading it!! Incredible.
You might find you’d be able to squeeze in 5 mins here, 10 there, if you carried the book everywhere you go. The time adds up! But at the same time, like I said, do I NEED the constant input? Can I not just chill?!!
Thank you thank you!! Yes, the mind loves to wander. Boredom is a key ingredient to creativity.
Absolutely! The more bored you are, the more creative you’ll get!
That’s the promise anyway. 🙃
I have no social media on my phone (though occasionally I log into Facebook mobile if I need to check something in a group post). I have to admit though that I usually read email newsletters like yours while waiting. Or cull email. Or write in Google Docs. And in the grocery store I snag a free read of magazines I wouldn't buy. But so much of life, especially parenting young kids, is an intellectual vacuum, why wouldn't you put some interesting words in it?
An intellectual vacuum! What a phrase! Good for you for not having any social media on your phone. I've tried that and it didn't last long. A nice reminder that maybe I want to try it again! I think filling your waiting with reading is a great use of time. I found myself being so irritated when I didn't have my usual thing to fill my time with, and that definitely made me pause. The discomfort made me realize I needed to sit with my discomfort some more 😂
Well to be honest, I am retired and I am home quite a few hours of the day so I just do social media when I am home. Not less of a habit, just one I don’t really want to be doing when out and about. And none of my life events merit live real time posting!
Being out and about seems like a great time to NOT do social media! I dream of reading that many books a year when I’m retired 😍
I just made a post about this 😂
Purposeful Mindlessness is the key!! Create an open space in your mind, and then let it actually run!
https://open.substack.com/pub/terrorone/p/kindles-and-morality-whats-new?r=3nfx0l&utm_medium=ios
Yes, that's a great way of putting it!
As a voracious reader :) , I have two books in my car at all times. This line struck me : what I needed most of all was to sit with my thoughts. Sitting and mulling over the thoughts expressed in those books we devour seems even more vital than merely the consumption of them.. You've expressed that thoughtfully here.
Thank you, Wendy! It really is good (for me, anyway!) to spend some time thinking about the books I'm consuming, rather than just jumping from one to the next to the next. It's allowing myself to luxuriate a little bit before moving on. That, or watching the guy dance in the sauna 😂
Ah yes, luxuriate, an apt word. I luxuriate in knowledge. It's why I underline sentence in books. I'm a little odd like this- when I come across a sentence well crafted, I step back, in awe, and alowing those words to flow in and out; it becomes embodied.
THAT IS ME! You’re not odd. Or, if you are, I am too. I feel the same way about a beautiful sentence. I have such a hard time reading library books (even though a big chunk of the books I read are from the library) because I can’t scrawl all over them. I am a huge underliner. I imagine you are too?
Oh yes! There was a time in my life I compiled a book of such sentences, and when I felt frustrated with my own writing, I'd read them. I mostly borrow books from my library- upwards of 2k a year- but when I just love the author's style, I honour their work, and buy it :)
An amazing literary citizen! That's wonderful. And 2k a year?! Unreal! I love it!
I can't imagine going anywhere without a book.
Currently reading "Real Americans" by Rachel Kong and
"The Cabin at the end of the Train" by Michael V. Ivanov
Yeah it’s kind of taboo to leave without a book!How are the books you’re reading?
This is such an interesting, and relatable, reflection. In addition to wanting to make the most of my time, as you mentioned, I also find I feel a little 'not quite myself' if I go too long without reading - and sometimes 'too long' can be that 15 minutes in the waiting room! Thank you for sharing this post, and allowing me to reflect right along with you!
I feel the same way. I just finished The Days of Abandonment by Elena Ferrante. In which the MC speaks about slowing down and rereading passages from Anna Karenina. I'm starting 1974 by Francine Prose, I've enjoyed her other books.
The Days of Abandonment is one of my favorite books of all time. What did you think of it?? Thanks for reminding me of that part, I completely forgot about the Karenina bit!
I loved it. The breakup was so brutal, it drew me in. I felt stifled, desperate, and stuck in that apartment, but the strongest parts were at the end when she faced the two men in her life. Her comments about Mario looking at the void and running to Carla struck me, especially since she knows what it’s like to come through the void. The way it swept away with Carrona and his gift for meaning resonated past the finish.
What an absolutely beautiful way of summarizing your thoughts on the book! The very last line (so we loved each other for a long time, in the days and months to come, quietly) is so tender and un-Ferrante. It has stuck with me for years.
I mean, it’s good to be so self-aware, and everyone gets to decide what addiction means for them, but girl don’t give yourself TOO hard time about loving books. They’re books.
Ha! It’s not about loving books, it’s about not loving the stillness that comes without them.