The Unbridled Joy of Reading for Pleasure

“Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.”

― Lemony Snicket

As a writer, I am always reading. Truly. Always reading. Whether it's a book on flowers and bulbs and gardening and all things green and unfurling for research for my latest novel...

Or the collection of interviews with authors in a copy of The Paris Review I lucked upon in our local second hand bookshop. I am ALWAYS reading.

But seldom for pleasure.

Always to hone my craft.

Most recently it was Big Magic: Creative Living Beyond Fear by Elizabeth Gilbert and The Artist's Way by Julia Cameron.

I guess, no matter what others might think, the reality of being a writer is perhaps not as dreamy as might be imagined.

When I am not reading for research or inspiration, I am doggedly at my laptop, writing and desperately chasing the dream, with one of my many books-in-progress at hand.

And when I am not doing that, full manuscript at the ready, my days are spent endlessly chasing down independent publishers who might accept my work. Writing cover letters, synopsis, bios long and short, and fulfulling every requirement down to the letter.

Once upon a time this was a thrilling task. One I assumed almost wholeheartedly and with an almost childlike innocence would bear nothing but promising fruit. These days I am wiser. Preparing myself either for deafening silence or kind and generous rejection letters at best.

Not that it deters me of course. I still am madly and passionately in love with writing.

But recently I decided to say fuck it. I had worked so hard and so very furiously... Surely everyone deserves a break?

Then serendipity struck.

I had a acquired a copy of The Bees by Laline Paul from my grandmother's library, a book I chose for no other pressing reason than Margaret Atwood lauded it as 'gripping'... And I'm so very glad I did. Bold. Unique. Utterly engrossing. It was just what I had needed and I finished it in a matter of three days... I can honestly say, a better book I have not read in years.

But I wasn't done yet.

There was another book, gathering dust on my shelf that I had meant to get to... Namely Special Topics in Calamity Physics by Marisha Pessl, chosen from the second hand bookshop for it had come with a glowing review by Jonathan Franzen on the cover.

147 pages in, let's just say I'm hooked!

And it got me thinking... Is there nothing so utterly indulgent than sitting down with a warm cuppa and riveting book?

Don't get me wrong. I love a good movie as much as the next person...

But in this age of instant gratification, truly there is something special about a lazied day turning page after page... The further one comes to the end but cannot cease reading, longing only that the book could go on forever. Oh if only. The tragedy when the book reaches its final conclusion and life beckons you back.

But no, not just yet.

And so I must read on...

And in a world where everything has a price, is it not a wonder that with a flimsy laminated card, one can hold all the treasures of a library at one's disposal?

Truly, cherish these custodians. Thank them for their gifts. And find a comfy spot and disappear into another world altogether!

Still Life with books by Vincent van Gogh