Literary Libations
by Kym on August 23, 2007
I’ve realized that despite being a professed lover of literature, my intellectual horizons are in severe need of stretching. For so long I’ve confined my reading to old favourites and what I like to call Fluff Fiction. My mind is feeling cramped and small, eager to push beyond my self-imposed boundaries.
I dared the library with both girls Tuesday afternoon. Becca was blissfully contented with chewing on the head of a plastic cow, while Emma reveled in the loot she’d found in the children’s section. Her finds were promptly dubbed, “My Dragon Book” and “My Fishy Book.” Sometimes I grow wistful as I watch her, remembering in some small part a time when possession implied ownership.
As my girls enjoyed their various pursuits, I perused the shelves of our pitifully small library, seeking out those authors I’d heard of but rarely if ever attempted. My final stack contained some Hemmingway, Dostoevsky, Kafka, and even a battered old copy of The Illiad.
It’s been so many years since University, when such works captivated every free moment. I remember long bus rides, caught up in my latest passion, often missing my stop, sometimes ending up a full hour from my intended destination. I even perfected the art of walking and reading at the same time, oblivious to the stares that my strange behaviour must have earned me.
Now? Now my stack of library books sits untouched on my night table, a seemingly insurmountable monument to my literary decline.
The book currently in possession of my book mark? A Calvin and Hobbes Anthology.
Pardon me a quiet sigh.
17 comments
As a self proclaimed lover of literature I have to say, Calvin and Hobbes are AWESOME. And surprisingly rich in character and plot…
by Sketchy on August 23, 2007 at 6:42 pm. #
I totally hear you. If you haven’t noticed any book reviews on my blog lately, it’s ’cause I’m stalled on a “classic.”
(Beautifully written post, by the way.)
by Beth on August 23, 2007 at 6:54 pm. #
I agree, this is beautifully written. Why would I need “literature” when I’ve got Kimberly?
I’m the same way. I used to live for that sort of stuff. Now, I barely make time for my scriptures every day, and that’s the extent of my reading (outside of bloglandia, where, alas, I’m also miserably behind right now).
by Brillig on August 23, 2007 at 7:26 pm. #
I hear ya completely. I have just now gotten to a spot where I have not only the time to read (at night after the little man goes to bed) but I can actually stay awake long enough to keep my eyes open for more than a few pages. I am so far behind in the literary world that I’m just now finishing the first Harry Potter book. A time and a season for everything right?
by Tonya on August 23, 2007 at 7:38 pm. #
Applause!
by PJ on August 23, 2007 at 9:15 pm. #
Could be worse. . .
Although I’m not sure how.
At least you don’t have a broken leg. . .
Of course a broken leg would force you to read. . .
Be well
by Dedee on August 23, 2007 at 9:33 pm. #
Just like we have seasons in our life, I have seasons in my reading tastes. I personally see nothing wrong with reading Calvin and Hobbes. Why should we let the world dictate what we read? I say read whatever strikes your fancy, and feel no guilt or pressure about your chosen selection :) !!
by An Ordinary Mom on August 23, 2007 at 9:35 pm. #
I’m wondering if a second reading of all the Jane Austen books this year could be considered frivolous…Maybe I’ll splurge & buy myself a new book or 12.
by Farm Wife on August 23, 2007 at 9:49 pm. #
At least you have a pile of books. I applaud that. I can’t even see a light at the end of my tunnel that would signal enough free time to attempt a novel. Magazines and blogs are the extent of my reading lately.
by Natalie on August 23, 2007 at 11:40 pm. #
You remind me of Belle from Beauty and the Beast with her nose stuck in a book – WALKING!! :) Love it!
by Laine on August 24, 2007 at 12:13 am. #
That is one of the things that surprised me most when I had my first baby…What…there is no time to read? What the crap?
by Serina Hope on August 24, 2007 at 1:58 am. #
I only read in the bathroom these days and I rank prospective material based on potential toilet-bound performance. Nothing too serious or taxing for the mind. Must have soft pliable pages in case of emergency also.
by elasticwaistbandlady on August 24, 2007 at 2:25 am. #
Who says Calvin and Hobbes isn’t great literature?? It’s funny and intelligent. I love it!!
I use to be able to walk with my nose in a book. I spent all my free periods in the library at school, reading a novel a day at times.
Right now I go through reading spurts, 3 or 4 books in a two week span. Then a long break At least it’s something.
by Summer on August 24, 2007 at 2:29 am. #
Who says that Calvin and Hobbes cartoons aren’t classic?! And they will broaden the horizon of any 8 year old boy looking for a little mischief… which is EXACTLY why I haven’t introduced my son to them yet ;)
by Melissa on August 24, 2007 at 4:22 am. #
well. I think Calvin is very sophistacated reading.
by Dapoppins on August 25, 2007 at 1:22 am. #
Looking at them on your night stand has to count for something. At least it makes you look smart even if…
(I can’t say it.)
by The Lazy Organizer on August 25, 2007 at 3:14 pm. #
kimmy: and then next, you get to read one of “the far side” cartoon books. don’t be so hard on yourself. that’s what the world will do to you if you let them. revel in the awesome dear soul you are who is filled with creative energy and tenderness like not people have. be good to yourself tonight. shave your legs. bubble bath? smile and giggle. think the world of you kimmy. take care this night. love you, kathleen
by so grateful to be Mormon! on August 28, 2007 at 2:03 am. #