The reverse of last week’s question:
Imagine that everything is going just swimmingly. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and all’s right with the world. You’re practically bouncing from health and have money in your pocket. The kids are playing and laughing, the puppy is chewing in the cutest possible manner on an officially-sanctioned chew toy, and in between moments of laughter for pure joy, you pick up a book to read . . .
When life is good I read the dystopias, the serious non-fiction, the serious literature. My idea of a good beach read has been nominated for a Booker or a Giller etc. I also have a shelf of books on writing with titles like: Origins of Story, The Art and Craft of Poetry, 13 Ways of Looking at the Novel and Negotiating With the Dead (By Margaret Atwood). These books come out when life is so good that I have time to read and time to write as well. Sigh. September and back-to-school is not one of those times. I did, however, make the deadline for the Alumnae Theatre’s New Ideas Festival for 2008. It doesn’t mean my script will be chosen, but I can always hope.
I’m not usually willing to risk a too-serious book bringing down my good mood!
I’m with Deb… I’ll usually go with an upbeat favorite, so I sustain my mood.
Happy BTT!
Usually I can read anything. But I really have to be in a certain mood for something deep. If I’m sitting on a beach, it’s usually with a cozy or some chick lit in my hands. Something light and fluffy!!
I haven’t heard of that Atwood. That’s some serious reading!
If you like reading writing books, you have to read Bradbury’s “Zen in the Art of Writing”. It’s one of the most inspiring and poetic writing books I’ve ever read. (Sheesh, I’ve been recommending it to everyone lately!)
Now is the time to read something deep or scary. Happy BTT!
Hey, thanks for the comments, folks. I’ve pretty much responded on your blogs instead of mine.
It’s so nice to visit and see what people are up to.
You know, maybe I am a little closer to the consensus view that I would not choose a downer of a book when I’m happy. I just don’t think non-fiction brings you down. Sometimes it’s fun to watch someone like Michael Moore rip into the establishment in Stupid White Men or get all excited about the narrative possibilities of something classic or experimental like Hubert Aquin’s Prochaine Episode or Virginia Woolf’s Orlando — Now there’s a book I’ll worship forever.
I prefer serious stuff. Those make me think.
It’s nice to see someone else who shares my tastes.