Life by Jen

Man, do I love to read. I have always been a reader, really. When I was a kid, I always had a stack of books to escape into. Devouring books is the best way to put it. It felt like eating cake, eagerly gnawing through a book, building a world in my brain and being a little sad when I looked down to see I was done and there was nothing left.

Theses days, when I read, I feel a little guilty. With four kids and a busy, busy life, sitting down to do something that I can’t multitask feels indulgent. I know it’s not, but it still feels that way. When I do, I have to remind myself that it’s not the case, it’s good for my ever-waning attention span and my peace. It also pairs very nicely with waking up before everyone else in the house to enjoy coffee and a few minutes with my book (and the dogs) before things come to life and the bustling of the day begins.

I am normally a classics reader. I want to read all of the books and do all of the things. However, it’s hard to balance the achievement feeling of getting some classics under my belt with the pure joy of just reading something lighthearted or easy – particularly in the summer.

This summer, I read something that the Internet told me I’d enjoy (and probably cry through). I read (slowly), A Little Life, by Hanya Yanagihara. Objectively, excellent. Subjectively, maybe you’ll love it, but it didn’t sing to me. I know there are many, many people crying through this book, but it just didn’t get me teared up. Not every book is for every person.

Sad – yes. Depressing – yes. I did finish it, but I needed a book with a much different tone. So, I shifted back to the classics and chose one that I’ve been wanting to read for some time. I’m reading Larry McMurtry’s Lonesome Dove. So far, right up my alley. I’ve dug into and I’ll really enjoying his writing. It’s clear, easy to read, and a great adventure so far, with some love in there too. I’m excited to report back on this one. It’s a hefty book, so I’m sure it’ll take a little time.

I am really excited to have a place to share my reading. I’m not a fancy reader. I’m not a literary critic by any means. I just love to read. I hope you’ll enjoy my recommendations and anecdotal musings on the books I’m reading. I’d also really love some suggestions for books. I am always on the look-out for a new read.