It makes me sad when I mention a really good book I just read and the person I’m speaking to says, “Oh, I don’t read.” I must look like a deer in the headlights because I couldn’t imagine not reading. I used to get up on my soap box and go on and on. I know that the person only hears, “Blah, blah, blah.” I can see it on their faces as I extol the virtues reading, they could care less.
And I know why they don’t care. They’ve never been behind the scenes at a horse racing track to see how hard the people work, or how much they love their horses. Never looked across the water to East Egg, or met a vampire and fell in love. How could they, if they don’t read?
And those women longing for romance, and not getting it from their husbands are missing out on the heroes of the romance novels, or macho men of the mystery series. Yes, I too want my own version of Ranger. I won’t tell you who I think he’d be in real life, so I don’t spoil your imaginary version of him. I kinda like John Sandford’s Lucas Davenport, and Harlan Coben’s Winn, okay I’d take Myron Bolitar in a heartbeat, but Winn is dangerous in a way I could never fathom in real life.
I’ve been to Italy, South America, Canada, Spain, New York City. I’ve toured the underground tunnels of the River Thames, eaten in the finest restaurants in Paris, and even been in the dressing trailer on set of a blockbuster movie. Mostly I’ve witnessed murders, and watched them be solved in much more intriguing detail than CSI could ever offer. And the people I’ve met, laughed at and wept for are innumerable. And I’ve done this all without needing a passport or leaving my house. I’ve been places that people who don’t read can’t even imagine.
Best of all, I can quote obscure facts that no one needs to know, but make great cocktail party conversation. Like, “Did you know you can kill a person with just a light bulb and an old thermometer?” All you single women and men this is a great pick up line.
My current all time favorite book is Horse Heaven, by Jane Smiley. And my favorite character is a horse named Justa Bob. I laughed, cried and traveled the country to the biggest race courses, and the lowliest backsides reading this book. It was a travel back in time, as I spent many days at the track when I was younger.
Right now I’m visiting Danbury, a women’s prison on the east coast as I read Orange is the New Black.
What is your all time favorite book, and where did it take you?
And I must say to all the authors whose books I’ve read, and to all the authors I have yet to read, thank you for showing me the world from my own back yard.
So agree with you! Reading stories and being transported into fictive worlds is one of the best things in life to do!
I have loved so many books and am happy to know that there will be many more to love.
I like books that take me to imaginary places. Like the Harry Potter series, which takes me to Hogwarts, or Jim Butcher’s books, which transport me to the NeverNever.
Jamie- This is an absolutely wonderful post! I know the look you speak of because I hear it a lot…’I don’t read’ WHAT????? Is usually my reply. Reading has opened up a whole world to me. I have traveled the world but remember each time when I could recall reading about a place and then having the pleasure of standing on the very spot I had read about. It was magical and made me want to read even more. Today I am travelling to Scotland to capture a serial killer…Who know’s where I will be tomorrow!
Jamie,
Beautiful post. I’ll admit it hurts when I hear people say they don’t read. (And the dismal stat that most people don’t even read 1 book per year.) I know I shouldn’t take it personally, but I feel like they are missing out on so much. Reading books is a gift everyone can open, for free.
I find I’m reading as much now as I did when I was a kid. My all-time favorite book is probably THE BRIDE TO TERABITHIA, the first book that made me cry and also realize that children could die. Right now I’m in L.A. deaing with a marital, career and housing crisis reading THIS IS WHERE WE LIVE, one of our top picks this month.
I can understand some people reading less with all the media choices available, but to not read at all? I don’t understand it. It’s like saying, “I refuse to use my legs, because I own a Hoveround.” And then atrophy sets in.
A life without books is a barren life, indeed. Some of my favorite transportive reads are “Walden” (I love to read about that magical pond), “The Stand” and “the Talisman” by Stephen King and “Wicked” by Gregory Maguire.
But there are so many more …
I’ve read regularly since I was very young. I can’t imagine a life without books. And even when I was dirt poor I made regular trips to the library. Now my house is like a library. Thank goodness for ereaders so my husband doesn’t see the 100s of book I have there too.
Books were my sanctuary as a kid, and they still help me escape when real life gets to be too much now. I can’t imagine what my life would be like without books. From King to Rand, my library has given me lifetimes of experience, entertainment, advice, and laughs.
Great post, Jaime! Thanks!
Ya know, I grew up in Danbury and that prison you mentioned used to be a federal prison.. My father visited there for a time before I was born.. LOL
My favorite books are by JR Ward: Black Dagger Brotherhood. Her stories make me believe wholeheartedly in these Vampires. They live among us.. They do! Right here in Caldwell NY.. *GASP* Very close to Danbury I might add.. Someday I will find them… When I read her books I get to hang out with the Brothers and… their Shellans (wives). I love it!
I LOVE Ranger. LOVE, LOVE, LOVE. And I’ve often called Edward Cullen “Viagra for Women.” But the short story is, if I didn’t read, I’d have to do dishes. And I don’t ever want to do that. ; )
Jamie I adore you! Already. Love this post. My own mother is a non-reader. I know right? I can’t imagine.
“Scarlett” took me to Ireland then back to the South. Rebecca Wells had me craving mint juleps in “Little Altars Everywhere.”
Last night I was very angry with a one miss Jennifer Johnson as I stood in the church giving her eyes of irritation at her wedding.
It’s great to know that others feel the same way about being “transported” while reading. I’m reading Harlan Coben’s CAUGHT now and it’s in New Jersey. Not exotic by any means, but tense and exciting and feelings I’d only want to know in fiction, not real life. Thanks to everyone who commented.
I LOVE THIS POST! A life without books is a life without imagination. Like most of those who commented here books have taken me away to many places. They have also open up my mind to new things and places. My parents and one of my brothers are both non readers, But I do share book love with two other siblings that I am grateful for.
My favorite book is one from my childhood.Caddie Woodlawn by Carol Ryrie Brink. I literally wore that book ragged. I gifted that book this year to my eleven year old niece and now she is as in love with it as I.